Issue details

1.      That the projections set out in Appendix A to CAB3276 be noted and the assumption that budget projections be based on the potential reduction in income, fees and charges for services of 20% of the 2020/21 original budget be supported.

2.      That the Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved as set out in sections 20-24 of the report CAB3276.

3.      That the proposal to reduce net operating costs by £3m in 2021/22 be approved, with additional shortfalls (projected at £0.6m for 2021/22) being met from the Transitional Reserve.

4.      That in the event of deficits being higher than the projected £3.7m for 2021/22, the Transitional Reserve be used to maintain a balanced budget.

5.      That a detailed budget be prepared for consideration by Council in February 2021 based on the above assumptions and:

a. A Council tax increase of 3%

b. The implementation of “cashless parking”, phased over 2 years, as set out in section 18.

c. That fees and charges are increased by an average of 3% and that a report be brought to Cabinet in January 2021 setting out all fees for services

d. That Building Control fees increase by 10%

e. That the budget for “small grants” is reduced by £15,000

f. That a one year grant agreement based on a maximum grant of £147,200 be approved for “Play to the Crowd”.

g. That the Council no longer directly delivers a programme of sports and physical activity but remains an active partner in the Winchester Sports and Physical Activity Alliance and continue to work with partners across the district to support programmes aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents.

h. That financial support for the annual Criterium event is not continued in 2021.

6.      That the proposed additional revenue provision of £990,000 required to fund project work on 2021/22 and 2022/23 be noted and the proposal that this be funded from the Major Investment Reserve be supported, subject to the final budget to be agreed by Council in February 2021.

7.      That charges for off street parking are not increased in April 2021, but that the impact of recent increases be assessed and a strategy developed to further encourage use of car parks outside of Winchester city centre (the air quality management area) and Park and Ride facilities.

8.      That a supplementary budget estimate and expenditure of £400,000 for the redevelopment of Bishop’s Waltham Depot, as detailed in paragraph 19.6 of report CAB3276, be approved.

9.      That a supplementary budget estimate and expenditure of £140,000 for the works to the Guildhall Café, as detailed in paragraph 19.7 of report CAB3276, be approved.

10.   Note the requirement for additional funding for staff implications associated with implementing the Movement Strategy and determine whether an additional £60,000 should be included within the detailed budget for February 2021.

11.   That the proposal to write off the outstanding debt of £65,114 associated with the Barfield Depot be approved.

12.   That the proposal to write off the outstanding National Non Domestic Rate debts listed in exempt Appendix D totalling £264,250 be approved.