| Item | Description | Background Information | Decision |
| | APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE | APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Councillor Birchall, Councillor Hanstock, Councillor Hopewell and Councillor Ward. | |
| 21/01 | DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST | DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
The Monitoring Officer advised that all Members would be recorded as having a non-disclosable pecuniary interest in the reports relating to Council Tax, however, a dispensation had been granted enabling Members to participate in the debate and vote upon those items. | |
| 21/02 | MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 7 JANUARY, 2021 | MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 7 JANUARY, 2021
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 January, 2021 were submitted for confirmation. Councillor Coxhead proposed and Councillor Burgin seconded that the Minutes of the Meeting be confirmed as a correct record.
Minutes | RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 January, 2021 be confirmed as a correct record. |
| 21/03 | MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 27 JANUARY, 2021 | MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 27 JANUARY, 2021
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 January, 2021 were submitted for confirmation. Councillor Coxhead proposed and Councillor Burgin seconded that the Minutes of the meeting be confirmed as a correct record.
Minutes | RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 January, 2021 be confirmed as a correct record. |
| 21/04 | RECEIPT OF CORRESPONDENCE BY THE CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL, ELECTED MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | RECEIPT OF CORRESPONDENCE BY THE CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL, ELECTED MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Chief Executive Officer advised members of correspondence received from the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission on 23 February, 2021 regarding the electoral review of Mansfield and the warding arrangements. The letter advised the Council that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England had launched a public consultation inviting proposals for a new pattern of electoral wards for Mansfield District Council. The correspondence also confirmed that the Commission was mindful to recommend that 36 Councillors should be elected to the Council in the future. The Commission were now inviting proposals from the Council, interested parties and members of the public on a pattern of electoral wards based on 36 Councillors. The public consultation inviting proposals would run from 23 February 2021 until 3 May 2021. The new electoral arrangements for the district would be scheduled to come into effect at the District Council elections in 2023 | RESOLVED - Noted |
| 21/05 | ADVANCE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC | ADVANCE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
There were no advance questions from members of the public. | |
| 21/06 | ADVANCE QUESTIONS FROM ELECTED MEMBERS | ADVANCE QUESTIONS FROM ELECTED MEMBERS
There were no advance questions from elected members. | |
| 21/07 | DELEGATED DECISION BY THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR REGENERATION AND GROWTH - LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (LDS) | DELEGATED DECISION BY THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR REGENERATION AND GROWTH - LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (LDS)
It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth and seconded by the Elected Mayor that the recommendation to Council from the delegated decision relating to the Adoption of the Local Development Scheme be approved.
Council was advised that the Local Development Scheme sets out the time line for the production of the Council's Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Allocations Development Plan Document (PDP) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) including the Town Centre Masterplan. Appendix A of the report sets out the proposed Local Development Scheme, the timetable indicates that a number of SPDS would be completed by Summer 2021 including the Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD.
It was proposed that work would commence on the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople DPD and that the Council would consult on further site options in Autumn 2021.
Members were reassured that this was an indicative timetable and that there would be a full consultation process moving forward.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Chair announced that the motion had been carried by 32 for, 0 votes against and 1 abstention.
Decision Notice
Report of Head of Planning and Regeneration
Appendix | RESOLVED - That the Local Development Scheme, as outlined in Appendix A, be adopted by the Council and have effect from 9 March, 2021. |
| 21/08 | DELEGATED DECISION BY THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR CORPORATE AND FINANCE - COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION SCHEME (CTRS) 2021/22 | DELEGATED DECISION BY THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR CORPORATE AND FINANCE - COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION SCHEME (CTRS) 2021/22
It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance and seconded by the Elected Mayor that the recommendation to Council from the Delegated Decision relating to the approval of the Hardship Fund and the approval of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2021/22 be approved.
Council was advised that this year’s proposed scheme had not changed from those approved by Full Council since 2014/15. Apart than the general uprating provisions which were allowed for in the current scheme (2020/21) Council Tax Reduction Scheme, the present scheme would continue onwards as the 2021/22 Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
Members were pleased that the authority was still able to continue to operate the Hardship Fund.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Chair announced that the motion had been carried unanimously.
Decision Notice
Report of Head of Finance
Appendix 1 | RESOLVED -
(i) That the Policy Document detailed as Appendix 1 in the report, titled Mansfield District Council Tax Reduction Scheme policy 2021/2022, be the Council's approved Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the financial year 2021/2022.
(ii) That a Hardship Fund of £20,000 be established for 2021/22. |
| 21/09 | EXTRACT MINUTE FROM THE GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE - INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 2021/2022 | EXTRACT MINUTE FROM THE GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE - INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 2021/2022
It was proposed by Councillor Fretwell and seconded by Councillor Norman that the recommendations from the Governance and Standards Committee relating to Investment Strategies 2021/22 be approved.
Council was advised that there were six individual Strategies contained within the report: Treasury Management Strategy 2021/22 to 2023/24; Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Strategy 2021/22; Capital Strategy 2021/22 to 2041/42; Asset Investment Strategy 2021/22; Commercial Property Investment Strategy 2021/22 and Service Investment Strategy 2021/22 which the Council’s Governance and Standards Committee had undertaken the scrutiny of as part of its work programme.
The Treasury Management Strategy had remained largely the same as the Strategy approved by Council for the previous financial year. However, the Governance & Standards committee had agreed that investments in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar should no longer take place. Where deposits were currently held within these institutions, they would remain there until their term had expired, and then be placed elsewhere.
There were no fundamental changes in the Capital Strategy from the previous year’s Strategy other than figures updated in tables to reflect the Capital Programme approved as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy which was approved at Council on 27 January 2021. Members were advised that the Asset Investment Strategy – was a new strategy, covering the principles which govern investment in assets which, if acquired, would provide the Council with benefits both to the organisation and to residents, as well as the potential for ongoing revenue benefits. This strategy was relevant to all assets the council intended to purchase in order to further its service objectives. The Commercial Property Investment Strategy had changed from the previous year’s Strategy, as was now focussed on maintaining and monitoring the current portfolio of commercial properties. In accordance with the lending terms of the Public Works Loan Board, which came into force on 26th November 2020, the Council would not borrow to fund commercial property investments at any point during the life of this strategy. However, borrowing had previously been taken out to fund commercial property investments, and the costs related to this must be covered by the properties in question. Regarding the Minimum Revenue Provision Strategy and Service Investment Strategy, there were no fundamental changes from the previous year’s Strategies.
The motion being put to the vote, the Chair announced that the motion had been carried unanimously.
Extract Minute from Governance & Standards Committee
Report of Head of Finance
Revised Appendix | RESOLVED -
(i) That the Treasury Management Strategy for the 2021/22 to 2023/24 financial year be approved, as per Appendix 1, including the Prudential Indicators which are set out within the Strategy.
(ii) That the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Strategy for the 2021/22 financial year be approved, as per Appendix 2 and the Council adopts the Regulatory Method for Supported Borrowing (Option 1) taken out by the Council prior to 1 April, 2008 and the Asset Life Method for unsupported borrowing (option 3) taken out after 1 April 2021 (if any new borrowing is taken on by the Council).
Where the Council takes on additional borrowing in order to purchase land and property assets for regeneration or housing purposes (in line with the Asset Investment policy for non-commercial assets) or to provide a Service investment, the business case will set out whether a MRP charge is appropriate.
(iii) That the Capital Strategy for the 2021/22 to 2041/42 financial year be approved as per Appendix 3.
(iv) That the Commercial Property Investment Strategy for the 2021/22 financial year be approved as per Appendix 4.
(v) That the Service Investment Strategy for the 2021/22 financial year be approved as per Appendix 5. |
| 21/10 | SCHEME OF MEMBERS ALLOWANCES | SCHEME OF MEMBERS ALLOWANCES
Council was informed that the report referred to the special responsibility allowances paid to members from April 2021 to March 2022. This had come about as part of the Council's budget 2021/22. Provision had been made in this budget to save £20,000 as a result of a reduction of 10% paid to those members who receive a payment as a result of a special responsibility. Council was informed that this did not relate to member's Basic Allowance which was not affected by this report. The report set out the requirements for consideration of member's allowances which were last set by the Council in 2019 and were approved for 4 years. Council, through its budget considerations requested an in year contribution be made to assist with the balancing of the 2021/22 budget.
It was proposed by Councillor Barton and seconded by Councillor Wright that the Scheme of Allowances for 2021/22 be approve, subject to the 10% reduction in Special Responsibility Allowances approved by Council on 26 January 2021, not being applied to the allowance paid to the Independent Members of the Governance and Standards Committee.
Members agreed that the non-elected members were a valuable asset to the Committee and the 10% reduction should not apply to their roles.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Chair announced that the motion had been carried unanimously.
Report of Chief Executive Officer
Appendix 1 | RESOLVED - That the Scheme of Allowances effective from 1 April 2021 at Appendix 1 be approved, subject to the 10% reduction in Special Responsibility Allowances agreed by Council on 26 January 2021, not being applied to the allowance to the Independent non-elected members of Governance and Standards Committee. |
| 21/11 | PAY POLICY STATEMENT FOR 2021 | PAY POLICY STATEMENT FOR 2021
The Head of Paid Service presented the Mansfield District Council Pay Policy Statement 2021-2022. The purpose of the statement was to increase accountability in relation to payments made to senior members of the authority by enabling public scrutiny. It was intended to publish the document on the Council's website immediately after resolution.
Members were advised that it was a legal responsibility to set out the payments that were currently made to senior members of the authority and the difference between that and the lowest paid member of the authority, including the average paid employees of the authority.
Councillor Whitby proposed and the Elected Mayor seconded that the Pay Policy Statement be approved.
The motion being put to the vote, the Chair announced that the motion had been carried unanimously.
Report of Head of Paid Service
Appendix 1
Senior Management Structure
Pay Policy 2021-2022 | RESOLVED - That the Pay Policy Statement be approved. |
| 21/12 | COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION | COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION
The Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance advised members that the Council Tax Resolution Report sought to formally set the Council Tax banding for Mansfield District Council for the 2021/22 financial year based on a band D equivalent property. The report also brought together the total Council Tax to be levied to residents of the district based on amounts also set by Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commission, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and Warsop Parish Council (where applicable).
The Council had calculated a council tax base for the 2020/2021 financial year of 29,512.2 Band D equivalent properties for the whole of the district, of which 3,057.4 were within the Warsop boundary. The council tax base had been approved on the 22 December 2021 by the Head of Finance.
For the 2021/22 financial year Mansfield District Council would increase its precepts to residents for the Mansfield element of the Council Tax bill by an equivalent to £5.00 on a Band D property. This equated to a 2.64% increase across all other bands, and was in line with the Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2021/22 (published 5 February 2021).
The County Council had increased their element by 1.99% on their general precept and 1% on the adult social care precept), Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner by 6.51% and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service by 1.95%.
Warsop Parish Council had precepted £104,808 against the Council for 2021/22, this represented a nil increase in the Warsop Parish Council element of the Council Tax bill for those residents of the Parish Council.
Council was informed that there has been an update to the precept figure for Nottinghamshire County Council since the report was issued. The precept figure in the report was £45,299,751 however, the confirmed figure for the County Council was £46,654,361. This did not impact on any of the report’s recommendations.
Several members expressed disappointment with the Council Tax increase, whilst others agreed that it was necessary to balance the budget. Members were reminded that the hardship fund was available to assist Council Tax Reduction Scheme recipients who had financial difficulties by giving short term additional help with Council Tax liability.
Councillor Whitby proposed and the Elected Mayor seconded that the Council Tax Resolution set out at Appendix A be approved.
On the recommendation being put to the vote the following votes were recorded:
For – Elected Mayor, Councillors Barlow, Bradshaw, Burgin, Clay, Coxhead, Fisher, Fretwell, Garner, Lohan, Norman, Richardson, Shields, Sissons, Smart, Stendall, Sutcliffe, Swinscoe, Wetton and Whitby
Against – Councillor L Anderson, S. Anderson, Answer, Barton, Bodle, Drewett, Saunders, Smith, Tristram, Wallace, Walker, and Wright
Abstention – Councillor Redfern
Report of Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance | RESOLVED - That the Council Tax Resolution set out at Appendix A be approved. |
| 21/13 | MOTIONS | MOTIONS
There were no motions. | |