Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 December 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Cabinet.

No urgent decisions were reported.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Cabinet Members on any matters within the powers and duties of the Cabinet, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 3 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the Cabinet on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted where the questioner was not in attendance at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

The following representations have been received:-

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 15 (Cheadle Eco Business Park and Adswood Depot).

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

This report provides Cabinet with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2023/24 approved by Council on 23 February 2023 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provides an economic update for the first six months of 2023/24 and details how this impacts upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting:-

(1) Note the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year.

(2) Note the revised interest rate forecasts for Bank Rate and PWLB rates over the short and medium-term, which will drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward.

Officer contact: Lorna Soufian on 0161 474 4026 or email lorna.soufian@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2023/24 that had been approved by Council on 23 February 2023 and had been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to note the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year.

(2) That the Council Meeting be recommended to note the revised interest rate forecasts for Bank Rate and PWLB rates over the short and medium-term, which will drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

This report deals with the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2023/24, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2024/25 and also presents a forecast for Business Rates income expected in 2024/25.These items form an integral and important part of the Council’s budget setting and MTFP process.

(1) The Cabinet is recommended to:

(i)        Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus of £4.669m in 2023/24 relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.902m and Business Rates surplus of £3.767m subject to the delegations below;

(ii)      Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus to be appropriated to the Council’s General Fund in 2024/25 of £4.489m relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.760m and Business Rates surplus of £3.729m subject to the delegations below;

(iii)     Approve the use of the declared surplus to support the Council’s 2024/25 Budget, MTFP and Collection Fund Reserve in the context of increasing budget pressures linked to price inflation, pay inflation particularly relating to recent Real Living Wage increase, high interest rates impacting the Council’s borrowing costs and increasing demand for services;

(iv)     Note the proposal for the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Fund as set out in the Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts Annual Review report as per paragraph 2.3;

(v)      Note the 2024/25 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 98,396.6 Band D equivalent dwellings. The Council’s final 2024/25 Council Tax Taxbase will be presented for approval to the Council meeting on 11 January 2024;

(vi)     Note the 2024/25 Business Rates budget forecast subject to the completion of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to be submitted to Government by 31 January 2024; and

(vii)    Note that the indicative Collection Fund resources identified are to be reviewed through the MTFP and 2024/25 budget setting processes following the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement in December.

(2) The Cabinet is recommended to delegate the following decisions to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources:

(i)        The decision to change the provisional 2023/24 Collection Fund forecast outturn position prior to declaring the position on 31 January 2024 as required by legislation;

(ii)      The decision to continue in the Greater Manchester Business Rates pooling arrangement; and

(iii)     The decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 7 linked to the submission of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to Government.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or by email at jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2023/24, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2024/25, and a forecast for Business Rates income for 2024/25.

It was commented that Stockport’s collection rates were amongst the best in the north west of England, and members expressed their thanks and gratitude to officers for their ongoing work in ensuring the council’s financial position remained robust.

RESOLVED - (1) That a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus of £4.669m in 2023/24 relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.902m and Business Rates surplus of £3.767m be declared, subject to the delegations below.

(2) That a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus to be appropriated to the Council’s General Fund in 2024/25 of £4.489m relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.760m and Business Rates surplus of £3.729m be declared, subject to the delegations below.

(3) That approval be given to the use of the declared surplus to support the Council’s 2024/25 Budget, MTFP and Collection Fund Reserve in the context of increasing budget pressures linked to price inflation, pay inflation particularly relating to recent Real Living Wage increase, high interest rates impacting the Council’s borrowing costs and increasing demand for services.

(4) That the proposal for the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Fund be noted as set out in the Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts Annual Review report as per paragraph 2.3.

(4) That the 2024/25 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 98,396.6 Band D equivalent dwellings be noted.     

(5) That the 2024/25 Business Rates budget forecast be noted subject to the completion of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to be submitted to Government by 31 January 2024.

(6) That it be noted that the indicative Collection Fund resources identified are to be reviewed through the MTFP and 2024/25 budget setting processes following the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement in December.

(7) That the following decisions be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources:

(i)        The decision to change the provisional 2023/24 Collection Fund forecast outturn position prior to declaring the position on 31 January 2024 as required by legislation;

(ii)       The decision to continue in the Greater Manchester Business Rates pooling arrangement; and

(iii)     The decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 7 linked to the submission of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to Government.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The Council is required to annually agree the scheme of local discounts and exemptions which are available against liability for Business Rates and Council Tax. This includes the localised Council Tax Support Scheme.

This report outlines the current arrangements, and proposed changes.

It is recommended that the Cabinet agrees:-

(1) That the CASC top-up scheme be continued for the financial year 2024-25, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from non-domestic rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

(2) That charity relief remains limited to the 80% mandatory relief for the financial year 2024-25.

(3) That rural rate relief continues to be limited to 50% mandatory relief for the financial year 2024-25 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

(4) That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for not-for-profit organisations be maintained for the financial year 2024-25.

(5) That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2024-25.

(6) That the continuation of a case-by-case approach for business rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2024-25. It is unlikely that exceptional circumstances relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the council, either grant funded or commissioned.

(7) That the current rules for backdating or making a variation to discretionary rate relief awards as described at paras 3.10.4 and 3.10.5 will continue for 2024-25.

(8) That the council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied properties for 2024-25, except for class E & F dwellings where 100% relief is awarded.

(9) That the maximum Council Tax premium charges continue to be applied in respect of class A, C & D dwellings (empty and unfurnished properties) at the rates shown at para 4.1.8 for 2024-25.

(10) That the timeframe for which a premium should be charged on long-term empty properties, is reduced from two years to one year, from 1 April 2024.

(11) That a premium charge of 100% is applied on class B dwellings (empty and furnished properties, which include second homes) from 1 April 2025.

(12) That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2024-25.

(13) That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for the financial year 2024-25 as detailed at Appendix 5.

(14) That the Council Tax discretionary fund is set at £0.385m for 2024-25, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means.  

(15) That delegation is given to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to review and adjust the Council Tax discretionary fund during 2024-25 capped at a total fund of £0.500m if required, to support the council’s cost-of-living response. 

(16) That the council’s discretionary support policy for help with rent and Council Tax costs at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2024-25.

(17) That delegation is given to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to consider any subsequent government announcements that impact on Business Rates and Council Tax reductions for 2024-25, and to decide what changes should be made aligned to legislation.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or by email at jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the annual review the local scheme of discounts and exemptions which are available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The approach to applying premium charges for those properties that had been empty for over two years was welcomed as a means of bringing dwellings back into use.

·         The proposed reduction in Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 was highlighted as part of the wider package of measures to support Stockport’s care leavers.

RESOLVED - (1) That the CASC top-up scheme be continued for the financial year 2024-25, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from non-domestic rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

(2) That charity relief remains limited to the 80% mandatory relief for the financial year 2024-25.

(3) That rural rate relief continues to be limited to 50% mandatory relief for the financial year 2024-25 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

(4) That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for not-for-profit organisations be maintained for the financial year 2024-25.

(5) That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2024-25.

(6) That the continuation of a case-by-case approach for business rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2024-25. It is unlikely that exceptional circumstances relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the council, either grant funded or commissioned.

(7) That the current rules for backdating or making a variation to discretionary rate relief awards as described at paras 3.10.4 and 3.10.5 will continue for 2024-25.

(8) That the council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied properties for 2024-25, except for class E & F dwellings where 100% relief is awarded.

(9) That the maximum Council Tax premium charges continue to be applied in respect of class A, C & D dwellings (empty and unfurnished properties) at the rates shown at para 4.1.8 for 2024-25.

(10) That the timeframe for which a premium should be charged on long-term empty properties, is reduced from two years to one year, from 1 April 2024.

(11) That a premium charge of 100% is applied on class B dwellings (empty and furnished properties, which include second homes) from 1 April 2025.

(12) That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2024-25.

(13) That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for the financial year 2024-25 as detailed at Appendix 5.

(14) That the Council Tax discretionary fund is set at £0.385m for 2024-25, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means. 

(15) That delegation is given to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to review and adjust the Council Tax discretionary fund during 2024-25 capped at a total fund of £0.500m if required, to support the council’s cost-of-living response.

(16) That the council’s discretionary support policy for help with rent and Council Tax costs at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2024-25.

(17) That delegation is given to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to consider any subsequent government announcements that impact on Business Rates and Council Tax reductions for 2024-25, and to decide what changes should be made aligned to legislation.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing.

Marple Neighbourhood Forum (MNF; “the Forum”) and the Council have been working together on the development of the Marple Neighbourhood Plan (MNP; “The Plan”), Stockport’s third neighbourhood plan. The Plan has recently undergone an examination by an independent examiner.

Following the submission of the examiner’s report, the Forum and the Council have made relevant changes to the Plan. This report is accompanied by: the post-examination version of the Plan, the Plan appendices, the Examiner’s report and the revised Equalities Impact Assessment.

This report sets out the key progress on the MNP and the next stages in the process before it formally becomes part of the development plan for Stockport.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting give approval to the Marple Neighbourhood Plan to go to referendum and therefore for that plan to form part of the development plan for Stockport in the event that it receives majority support at that subsequent referendum.

Officer contact: Michael Whitehead on 0161 218 1517 or email: michael.whitehead@stockport.gov.uk.

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the key progress on the Marple Neighbourhood Plan and the next stages in the process before it formally became part of the development plan for Stockport, including a proposal for the Marple Neighbourhood Plan to be put to a public referendum.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the Marple Neighbourhood Plan to go to referendum and for that plan to form part of the development plan for Stockport in the event that it receives majority support at that subsequent referendum.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education.

The Youth Justice Plan is a statutory annual plan that is required under Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It sets out the Youth Offending Partnership’s responsibilities in producing this plan. It states that it is the duty of each local authority, after consultation with the partner agencies, to formulate and implement an annual youth justice plan .The Youth Justice Plan must be submitted to the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for England and Wales, and published in accordance with the directions of the Secretary of State.

The Cabinet is requested to endorse the report and recommend the Youth Justice Plan for adoption by the Council Meeting.

Officer Contact: Jacqui Belfield Smith on Tel: 474 2876 or email: Jacqui.belfield-smith@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Youth Justice Plan 2023/2024 which outlined achievements against last years’ plan, priorities for the future and opportunities/challenges for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED – That the Youth Justice Plan 2023/2024 be endorsed and that the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the plan.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education.

The reports sets out the draft Cabinet Response to the recommendation contained in the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee’s scrutiny review with regard to Growth in Free Schools Meals.

The Cabinet is invited to endorse and adopt the response set out in the report.

Officer contact: Tim Bowman on 07977 661073 or email: tim.bowman@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to agree its response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review with regard to the ‘Growth in Free Schools Meals’.

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the recommendations contained in the ‘Growth in Free Schools Meals’ scrutiny review carried out by the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee be approved.

(2) That the Cabinet’s gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel and its contributors.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing.

The report sets out the progress with the construction of Stockroom and details how the Council is preparing to deliver this transformational project.

The Cabinet is recommended to note the progress with Stockroom and the benefits to the people of Stockport this will bring.

Officer contact: Kathryn Rees on 0161 474 3174 or email: kathryn.rees@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress with the construction of Stockroom and detailing how the Council is preparing to deliver the project, along with the benefits that that it will bring.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Cabinet is invited to note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 27 October 2023.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the GMCA at its meeting on 27 October 2023.

RESOLVED – That the decisions be noted.

On:-

(a)  Matters (if any) referred to the Cabinet Meeting

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were no recommendations to consider.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing.

The purpose of this report is to update members and seek approval to progress with the proposed redevelopment of Bird Hall Lane Industrial Estate into Cheadle Eco Business Park. This report follows the reports previously brought to cabinet for Cheadle Eco Business Park to approve the procurement of a Development Manager in March 2022 and the report in June 2022 to seek approval for the acquisition of the Adswood Depot site.

(NOTE: The report contains ‘not for publication’ appendices that have been circulated to the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the contents of this report and progress on the Cheadle Eco Business Park and Adswood Redevelopment, and that Cabinet approve the approach to the development of the projects and to enter into agreements to achieve this, as required.

(2) Delegate authority to the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Resources and Economy, Regeneration and Housing, to approve the undertaking of any required procurement activities to allow the appointment of any professional services consultants or construction contractors in relation to both projects.

(3) Delegate authority to the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Resources and Economy, Regeneration and Housing, to approve the entering of any contracts required for the appointment of any professional services consultants or Construction Contractors and bring forth any necessary planning applications related to the delivery of Cheadle Eco Business Park and the Adswood Depot Redevelopment.

(4) Delegate authority for the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance), to take such steps and complete such agreements as are necessary to implement the resolutions recommended in this report and any decisions properly made under authority delegated by these resolutions.

(5) Give approval for the release of funds, as detailed in Confidential Appendix 5 to allow both schemes to progress from the current position, through planning and construction to practical completion.

Officer contact: Robert Goulsbra on 0161 218 1764 or email: robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk.

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing progress with the proposed redevelopment of Bird Hall Lane Industrial Estate into Cheadle Eco Business Park.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that local residents had been keen to see the detail of the proposals for the scheme, and that the report was now able to provide some of that information.

·         The proposals for the development of an eco business park were welcomed from a climate change perspective.

·         The proposal would deliver an exemplar level of sustainability and environmental credentials.

(NOTE: The report contained ‘not for publication’ appendices that had been circulated to the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - (1) That the contents of the report and progress on the Cheadle Eco Business Park and Adswood Redevelopment be noted, and that approval be given to the approach to the development of the projects and to enter into agreements to achieve this, as required.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Resources and Economy, Regeneration and Housing, to approve the undertaking of any required procurement activities to allow the appointment of any professional services consultants or construction contractors in relation to both projects.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Resources and Economy, Regeneration and Housing, to approve the entering of any contracts required for the appointment of any professional services consultants or Construction Contractors and bring forth any necessary planning applications related to the delivery of Cheadle Eco Business Park and the Adswood Depot Redevelopment.

(4) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance), to take such steps and complete such agreements as are necessary to implement the resolutions recommended in this report and any decisions properly made under authority delegated by these resolutions.

(5) That approval be given for the release of funds, as detailed in the ‘not for publication’ Appendix 5 to allow both schemes to progress from the current position, through planning and construction to practical completion.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) for 2023/24 provides a summary of progress in delivering the council’s priority outcomes up to 30 September 2023.

The report reflects the 2023/24 Council Plan, MTFP and portfolio priorities. It includes:

·         An overview of corporate delivery and performance (including brief highlights from the seven individual Portfolio Reports).

·         A detailed financial update, including, the outturn position on revenue and capital.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the key delivery and performance issues from the councils seven portfolios set out in sections 1.3 and 1.4.

(2) Review progress against delivering council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget outturns contained within the report.

(3) Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as set out in section 2.3.

(4) Note the update to the council’s positive investments as set out in section 2.4.

(5) Note the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund forecast positions as set out in sections 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7.

(6) Note the appropriations to/from reserves and balances during the period as set out in section 2.8 and note the resulting reserves and balances position as of 30 September 2023.

(7) Note the position for the 2023/24 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1.

(8) Note the adjustments of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 3.2.

(9) Approve the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 3.3.

(10) Approve the 2023/24 prudential indicators as set out in section 3.4, and

(11) Identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or outturn issues or risks.

Officer Contact: Alan Lawson on 0161 474 5397 or email alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk and Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the Cabinet could give the required approvals to resourcing of the capital programme and the 2023/24 prudential indicators to ensure the efficient conduct of the Council’s business).

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget in the first half of the financial year, with a particular focus on the second quarter of 2023/24 (July – September).

It was commented that notwithstanding the financial pressures facing the entirety of the local government sector, there remained a lot to be positive about in Stockport with specific reference to the creativity, energy and practical approach of the Council.

RESOLVED - (1) That the key delivery and performance issues from the councils seven portfolios set out in sections 1.3 and 1.4 be noted.

(2) That progress against delivering council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget outturns contained within the report be noted.

(3) That the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as set out in section 2.3 be noted.

(4) That the update to the council’s positive investments as set out in section 2.4 be noted.

(5) That the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund forecast positions as set out in sections 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 be noted.

(6) That the appropriations to/from reserves and balances during the period as set out in section 2.8 and the resulting reserves and balances position as of 30 September 2023 be noted.

(7) That the position for the 2023/24 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 be noted.

(8) That the adjustments of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 3.2 be noted.

(9) That approval be given to the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 3.3.

(10) That approval be given to the 2023/24 prudential indicators as set out in section 3.4.