Issue - meetings

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting the budget for 2023/24 and to set the different amounts of council tax for different parts of the area where special items apply (Parish precepts).

The report set out the budget summary of the financial year 2023/24 which contained details of revenue and capital requirements. 

The Leader presented his budget speech outlining the key economic issues that had been taken into account in setting the budget. He was pleased that despite a £5 increase in Council tax, the Council still has the lowest District Council tax in the North of England.  He reported that there have been no cuts to service, there remains weekly waste collections and no charges for collection of green waste.

The Leader noted that whilst a key element of the Council’s funding has been significantly reduced in recent years, the Council is still financially strong with significant reserves.  He was pleased that a balanced budget was being presented.

The Leader expressed gratitude to the Director of Resources and the Officers for the well prepared report.

Approval of the budget proposals contained in the report was proposed by Councillor S Atkinson and seconded by Councillor A Brown.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor S Fletcher, proposed on an amendment to the budget to include the building of solar panels on the Council office building and at Roefield.  The Leader agreed with this amendment and it became part of the substantive motion put forward.

Councillor D Berryman then proposed a further amendment, stating that rather than building the solar panels on the Council office building and at Roefield immediately, that the issue should first be referred to the Climate Change working group for consideration.

A recorded vote was taken on the budget amendment.

The amendment was carried.

Members then returned to the amended substantive motion. A recorded vote was taken.