Decision details

To recommend full Council to set the 2021/22 budget and council tax at their meeting in February.

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) The General Fund budget for 2020/21 (Revised) and 2021/22 (original).

(2) An increase in the Council Tax for Lewes District Council of £5 (per annum) resulting in a Band D charge for general expenses of £197.08 (per annum) for 2021/22.

(3) The revised General Fund capital programme 2021/22 as set out at appendix 3 to the report.

(4) To endorse the continuation of the Flexible use of Capital Receipts and refers on to Council for approval.

(5) To note the section 151 Officer’s sign off as outlined in the report.

(Key decision):

(6) That as soon as practicable officers bring to Cabinet a report on the statutory process for amending the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2022/23 and which sets out the financial and other implications of providing a 100% discount to qualifying persons.

(7) That, in order to maximise the assistance to working age residents in financial distress, officers combine the remaining Council Tax Hardship Scheme funds (as previously agreed at Cabinet on 10 December 2020) with the council tax relief grant made available under the recent Spending Review, to provide a lump sum payment in 2021/22 to qualifying persons, which in certain cases would – taking into account the council tax reduction awarded – equal 100% of their council tax liability.

(8) To approve, as a Restricted Matter under the LLP Agreement with Eastbourne Borough Council, the making of a loan facility [of up to £10m] by Eastbourne Borough Council (pursuant to an Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet decision of February 2021) to AHLLP for the purpose of enabling the partnership to purchase and develop residential accommodation and other property. Also, to delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance to agree the terms of that loan facility and any associated documentation and to authorise the execution of any related documentation.

(9) To authorise the Chief Finance Officer to ensure that a new “Deed of Entrustment” and the appropriate Funding Agreements are entered into by AHLLP with Eastbourne Borough Council to ensure that:

(a) loans and other funding follow the new Subsidy Control regime which applies from 1 January 2021; and

(b) Right to Buy receipts are appropriated in accordance with legislative requirements and the retention agreement with Government in

relation to “social housing”.

(10) To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer to determine the terms of such agreements.