Agenda and minutes

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting held 7^th December 2022 was agreed and singed by the Chairman.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies of absence were received from Councillor Deborah Evans

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

None

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on ………………..

None

None

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(A report by Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) & S151)

The Finance Portfolio Holder presented a report which set out the areas of pressure that would need to be considered as part of the year’s budget setting process, the details of the Council’s Provisional Funding Settlement and gave delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder for Finance to approve commencement of the Councils Budget Consultation. The report also included the proposed level of Council Tax for 2023/24.

The year’s budget was being set within a background of unprecedented inflationary pressures and significant changes in resident, customer and business needs. Despite the challenges the Councils financial position means that it is well placed and able to take a considered approach to mitigating those exceptional challenges. In addition the Council had been and continues to be successful in drawing in significant capital and revenue investment for the area. Due to the complex financial environment the budget consultation document was still being finalised and delegated authority is sough for the Portfolio Holder for Finance to approve its release for consultation.

In response to questions Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) & S151 confirmed that an appeal against the Internal Drainage Board settlement has been filed.

The Portfolio holder for Finance informed the Committee that changes to the Car Parking machines, to include a card payment option and price increases to the crematorium in line with completion was being looked into to increase revenue.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet delegates approval of the commencement of the budget consultation to the Portfolio Holder for Finance in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive – s151 officer.

(A report by Martin Gibbs - Head of Procurement and Contracts)

The Finance Portfolio Holder presented a report which contained a revised draft set of Contract Procedure Rules with appropriate delegations that provide additional clarity around the procedures to be followed and reflect the Council’s management structure. The report also included a recommended change to the Financial Procedure Rules which will allow alignment with the new finance system used across all 3 councils when authorising payments.

The Audit & Governance Committee previously considered the proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules and Financial Procedure Rules at its meeting on 5^th December 2022 with a view to making a recommendation to the Council for its consideration.

Whilst agreement of these constitutional changes was a Council function, decisions relating to the award of contracts are Cabinet decisions. Accordingly, the Cabinet was asked to consider and approve the Delegations to Officers that set out the authorisation for decision making in relation to the proposed Contract Procedure Rules.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet;

1. Notes the draft revised Contract Procedure Rules at Appendix 1 to this report
2. Notes the revised financial procedure rules for Banking arrangement and cheques as detailed in Paragraph 1.12 of the report

Approves the Delegations to Officers that sets out the authorisation for decision making in relation to Contract Procedure Rules at Appendix 2 to this report. This approval will be subject to a Council decision to amend the Council Procedure Rules.

(A report by Nick Davis – Principal Environmental Health Officer)

Boston Borough Council declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in the Bargate Bridge Area in 2005 following modelling and monitoring demonstrated non-compliance with the statutory national air quality standard for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). An Air Quality Action plan (AQAP) was developed to try and improve air quality within this area, our other AQMA at Haven Bridge and more generally across the town. Air Quality in the Bargate Bridge area has shown improvement for a number of years and NO2 levels have reduced and now show consistent compliance with the national air quality standard. As a result and in line with the Environment Act 1995 and associated policy and technical guidance the AQMA should now be revoked.

Following questions the Principal Environment Health Officer confirmed that all areas would continue to be monitored.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agree by Order under the Environment Act 1995 Part IV to the revocation of the Bargate Bridge Air Quality Management area following consistent compliance with the national statutory nitrogen dioxide air quality object. With the addition that yearly monitoring be brought to Cabinet.