Issue - meetings

(Copy herewith)

2.1       Cabinet noted the contents of the report.

2.2       Cabinet noted the amendments to the general fund capital programme as set out at paragraph 3.6.1.

2.3       Cabinet approved the distribution of Grant to existing Parish Councils of £98.9K, to provide additional Covid grant support, as set out in the Appendix.

2.4       Cabinet approved the distribution of £99.9K of Grant to the three new Town/Parish Councils as launch funding to enable them to function ahead of the first precept payment in April and assist with Covid support, as set out in the Appendix.

Councillor Eldred as the relevant Cabinet Member noted that the finance team had been very busy over the last 12 months. CTRS had helped 12,400 households with £150 each, totalling £1.8 million.  This was in addition to that already earmarked for the financial year.  By the end of March 2021 the Grants scheme would have given away £50 million with the team working hard to get the money to those who needed it.  Business rate relief had reached £34 million.  A total of £180 million had been dealt with in the current year (the normal budget was £40 million) and credit was due to the finance team and many others who assisted with this.

Turning to the Financial Monitoring to 31 January 2021, Councillor Eldred pointed out that there had been a slight underspend of £278,000, which was a great achievement given the other pressures. The help from government had provided a boost to keep within budget.  It was proposed to use Covid money for two separate grants to parish councils, the first of £98,887.50 to existing councils and the second of £99,995 to the Town Council and two new parish councils towards their startup and Covid safety and support messaging costs.

The Chair thanked all officers who had played their part, and in particular the finance team with their increased workload.

RESOLVED:

2.1       Cabinet noted the contents of the report.

2.2       Cabinet noted the amendments to the general fund capital programme as set out at paragraph 3.6.1.

2.3       Cabinet approved the distribution of Grant to existing Parish Councils of £98.9K, to provide additional Covid grant support, as set out in the Appendix.

2.4       Cabinet approved the distribution of £99.9K of Grant to the three new Town/Parish Councils as launch funding to enable them to function ahead of the first precept payment in April and assist with Covid support, as set out in the Appendix.