To receive any announcements from the Mayor, Leader of the Council, Members of the Executive, Chairs of Scrutiny Committees and the Head of Paid Service.

The Mayor announced the passing of former Councillor Alan Mitchell, who represented the Hale Central Ward for 18 years between 2004 and 2022, and during his time was an Executive Member, Chair of Accounts and Audit Committee and was also a long serving member of the Greater Manchester Pensions Committee.

The Mayor requested that Members stand to observe a moments silence as a mark of respect. The Council passed its condolences on to the family and friends of former Councillor Mitchell.

·         To consider and adopt the resolutions contained the joint reports of the Executive Member for Finance, Change and Governance and the Director of Finance and Systems, presented to the Executive on 21 February 2024 and set out (a) - (d) below.

•         To set and approve the Council Tax Requirement for the District for the year beginning 1 April 2024, in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended.

•         To set and approve, in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended, the amounts as the amounts of the Council Tax for the year 2024/2025 for each of the categories of dwellings included in the respective valuation bands A to H.

(Note: PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS - In respect of the main item of business on the agenda, the Mayor announced that the Leader of the Council (or his nominee) would have a maximum of 15 minutes to make the initial speech and a further maximum of 15 minutes to summarise the debate. The Leader of the Main Opposition Group (or her nominee) would have a maximum of 15 minutes, whereas, the Leaders of the Minority Opposition Groups (or their respective nominees) would each have a maximum of 10 minutes to make their initial speeches. Each Opposition Group Leader (or their respective nominees) would each have a further maximum of 5 minutes to summarise on behalf of their respective Groups. Time for all other speeches would be restricted to a maximum of 3 minutes.)

The portfolio holder for Finance and Governance presented a number of reports setting out the proposed budget for the forthcoming year which had been recommended by the Executive at its meeting held earlier that evening.

It was moved and seconded that the Executive’s recommendations set out in each of the following reports be approved:

(a)            Executive’s Revenue Budget Proposals 2024/25 and Medium Term Financial

      Strategy 2025/26 – 2026/27;

(b) Capital Strategy, Asset Investment Strategy, Capital Programme and Prudential and Local Indicators 2024-2027;

(c)            Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25 – 2026/27; and

(d) Fees, Charges and Allowances 2024/25,

and that the Council sets and approves the amounts as the amounts of the Council Tax for the year 2024/2025, in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended, for each of the categories of dwellings included in the respective valuation bands A to H.

The Mayor announced that 3 amendments had been received from the Conservative Group, Green Group and Liberal Democratic Group. It was noted that the Director of Finance and Systems had reviewed the proposed amendments and concluded that none would undermine the adequacy of the Council’s overall financial robustness and reserves if approved.

Councillor Evans responded to the Motion on behalf of the Conservative Group. Councillor Ennis responded to the Motion on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group and Councillor Welton responded to the Motion on behalf of the Green Party Group. Each Member gave notice of an amendment from their party.

The Conservative amendment regarding new capital investment for highways was moved and seconded. Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared lost.

The Council proceeded to the Green amendment.

The Green amendment regarding new capital expenditure for School Street programme was moved and seconded. Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared lost.

The Council proceeded to the Liberal democrat amendment.

The Liberal democrat amendment regarding removing parking fees at Thorley Lane was moved and seconded. Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared lost

The Council proceeded to debate the substantive Motion.

In accordance with procedures agreed at the outset of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.