Decisions

To seek approval to consult on the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan: Main Modifications (the Joint Plan) and supporting documents

That Council be recommended to:

1)              agree the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan: Main Modifications and supporting documentation for publication and public consultation;

2)              authorise community engagement on the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan: Main Modifications and associated supporting documents to take place for at least 6 weeks from February 2022 onwards;

3)              authorise the Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Enforcement, to agree minor amendments necessary to the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan: Main Modifications and other supporting documents prior to consultation.

[NOTE:  Please note that in accordance with Rule 6.3.34d) of the Council’s Constitution this item is not subject to call-in]

That Council be recommended to agree to launch a consultation with stakeholders on moving to a whole council (all-out) electoral cycle.

[NOTE:  Please note that in accordance with Rule 6.3.34d) of the Council’s Constitution this item is not subject to call-in]

To consider the Capital Monitoring position as at the end of Quarter 3

That:

To consider the revenue budget position as at the end of Quarter three

That:

1)       the financial impact of the Covid-19 crisis, as illustrated in the Executive Summary, be noted;

2)       the overall forecast of the current position of the General Fund revenue budget, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), illustrated in the Executive Summary and appendices attached to the report, be noted;

3)       a supplementary estimate for £110,000 (c£55,000 per year) for additional capacity to support the Arts and Culture Strategy over the next two years be approved.

To consider the Chief Finance Officer’s report which outlines the major financial issues facing the Council

That:

1)              the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) report and the issues contained within, including the local government finance settlement and the sections on key risks, be noted and that the Executive consider these when setting the council tax for 2022/23 and agreeing the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP);

2)              the Council’s response to the local government finance settlement, as set out in Appendix Two to the report, be supported;

3)       the Council’s ongoing representations for fairer funding for the residents of Wokingham Borough Council be supported.

To consider the Leisure Strategy, including action plan, following consultation on the draft Leisure Strategy

That:

1)         the principles and content of the Leisure Strategy be endorsed;

2)              the Leisure Strategy and action plan, with the amends incorporated following consultations and feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.

That:

1)              a 6-week consultation on the draft Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan (Appendix 1a and 1b of the report) be approved; and

2)       an examiner be appointed to independently examine the Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan, delegating the appointment and submission of the examination documentation to the Director of Place and Growth in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning and Enforcement.

To consider the procurement business case for the renewal of the Optalis contract which expires in April 2022

That Council be recommended to:

1)              approve the procurement business case, as set out in the report, to renew the contract to Optalis;

2)              delegate authority to the Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Adult Services to;

a)       approve and complete the contract with Optalis for £7.3mil – 2022-23; and

b)       undertake all activities required to complete the joint ownership arrangements between RBWM and the Council as set out under the heading ‘Future Arrangements’.

3)              delegate jointly to the Director of Adult Services and the Director of Resources and Assets authority to add to and remove services within Optalis during the term of the contract provided that in each case, up to the total value of £500k:

a)       the budget for the costs of the services has already been approved as part of the agreed Council Budget;

b)       the business case has been approved by both Directors;

c)       the Executive Member with responsibility for Adult Services and the Executive Member with responsibility for Finance have been consulted.

4)              note the shareholders agreement.

[NOTE:  Please note that in accordance with Rule 6.3.34d) of the Council’s Constitution this item is not subject to call-in]