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RESOLVED
 
(i)    To note
the changes detailed in this report in the Council’s
financial position in 2023/24 and medium-term financial
strategy.
 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL
 
(ii)   That the charges from 1 April 2024 for the garden
waste subscription service are increased from £49 for the
first bin to £54 and charge this price for any subsequent
bins too.
 
(iii) To increase the
price of the multi-storey car park day pass tariffs from 1 February
2024 from £5.50 to £8.80 at Piries Place and £7.30 at Swan Walk, and from
£3.95 to £5.60 at the Forum car parks.
 
iv)   Subject to Council approval, support those
of working age on Council Tax Support with up to £195 in
2024/25, funded from any 2024/25 Funding Guarantee grant, or
reserve and ask Council to approve that this is reflected in the
2024/2025 budget accordingly.
 
(v)   Subject to the scheme status quo remaining and a
similar settlement to 2023/24,
(i)    approve that
the Council remains in the West Sussex Business Rates pool in
2024/25 and
(ii)   to delegate authority to the Director of Resources
in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources
to (a) agree the operational details of the pooling arrangements
with participating authoritIes, and,
(b) enter into any required documentation to give effect to this
proposal.
 
REASON
 
(i)    The
Council needs to acknowledge the effects that high levels of
inflation will have on its financial position both in the short and
medium-term. Deficits are predicted unless action is taken on fees
and charges. Given the level of uncertainty in the projections, the
economy and proposed Government action, the report does not
recommend direct action to drastically reduce expenditure at this
stage, but does recommend not worsening the revenue position
now.
 
(ii) and (iii) Council is
required to approve fees and charges, and expenditure as per the
constitution.
 
(iv) Cabinet must approve
any such support schemes.
 
(v)   Remaining in the West Sussex business Rates pool
should benefit the County and therefore the district by retaining
locally generated business rates, using it to further support the
economic regeneration of the wider West Sussex area.