Cabinet Member for Finance

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Finance and the above Cabinet Member which showed the revenue and capital projected outturn for 2014/15 as at the end of period six, covering the period from April to September 2014.

The Cabinet Member introduced the report and recommendations and proposed an additional recommendation relating to Rural Rate Relief as set out in paragraph 3.25 of the report.

The Cabinet Member for Environmental and Rural Affairs spoke of the commitment shown by Faversham Town Council to the Magna Carta 800 celebrations; and he thanked the Council for the proposed funding to support this important project for Faversham.

A Member referred to the performance fund bid of £4,995 in relation to Grove toilets in Leysdown.  He asked that consideration be given to funding to improve the Faversham Town Centre and Faversham Recreation Ground toilets, which were in a poor condition.

The Cabinet Member for Finance confirmed that he was looking into the maintenance contract of the toilets in Faversham and would report back to the Member.

The Cabinet Member for Environmental and Rural Affairs advised that the Performance Fund bid for the toilets in Leysdown related to increased opening hours rather than refurbishment.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the projected revenue underspend of £687,720 be noted.

(2)  That the projected capital underspend for 2014/15 of £175,270 be noted and the additional funding of £6,200 for Kemsley West Play Area from capital receipts be approved.

(3)  That a £100,000 addition from Council funds towards Disabled Facilities Grants be agreed.

(4)  That it be noted that Rural Rate Relief can only be awarded in rural settlements with a population that is less than 3,000.  Using the latest census population figures from 1 January 2015, Rural Rate Relief will no longer be awarded in Iwade and Queenborough.  A full consultation process will be undertaken on the scheme in 2015 for implementation in April 2016.