Issue - meetings

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 13 July 2022.

Council is asked to resolve a recommendation in respect of:

• Treasury Management
• Market Street Site Settled Development Plan

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bettison OBE, presented his report on the work of the Executive since that reported at the Council meeting on 13 July 2022. The Executive had met four times on 19 July, 20 September, 18 October and 15 November 2022.

The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

Transformation & Finance | Revenue Expenditure Outturn 2021/22

•          Executive noted revenue expenditure for 2021/22 was £74.068m (subject to audit)

•          Represented -£1.020m underspend compared to the approved budget

•          £1.019m returned to General Reserves

•          General Reserves balance at 31 March 2022 was £11.346m (5% of Council’s net budget)

•          Noted the Council’s Treasury Management performance during 2021/22.

•          In accordance with the Prudential Code of Capital Finance it was recommended to Council

Transformation & Finance | Market Street Settled Development Plan

•          Adoption of Settled Site Development Plan for Market Street, proposed by Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership.

–         Setting out the final build form and quantum for development, number and nature of affordable properties and anticipated financial returns.

•          Included the development of an additional 52 affordable rented homes, increasing the proportion of affordable homes to 56%.

•          £0.500m from S106 to a nominated Registered Provider for the additional affordable rented homes.

Transformation & Finance | Bracknell Library

•          Agreed the principle of relocating the library to Princess Square, creating a new library and cultural facility

•          Linked to the final stages of the Deck and facilitating the future regeneration of the current library site

•          Agreed the Council will enter into heads of terms for the lease, completion being subject to the Deck scheme being unconditionally committed to by Bracknell Regeneration Limited Partnership

Transformation & Finance | Depot Surplus Land

•          Agreed that the exclusivity period relating to the surplus land at central depot site, granted to Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership, be extended a further 12 months from 1 October 2022.

Adult Services, Health and Housing | Berkshire Community Equipment Service

•          Berkshire Community Equipment Service (BCES) was commissioned through a S75 Joint Agreement across all Berkshire Unitary local authorities and NHS partners.

•          Agreed to continue membership of the S75 Joint Agreement for a maximum period of five years.

•          Procurement process is being led by West Berkshire Council, subject to review by BFC

Adult Services, Health and Housing | Bay House and Bar Close

•          Agreed to spend up to £500k to Silva Homes from S106 affordable housing commuted fund

•          Support the development of 51 additional social rented homes.

Adult Services, Health and Housing | National Drug Strategy

•          Agreed to a Berkshire East geography for the Combatting Drugs Partnership that will look to deliver against the priorities set out in the National Drug Strategy

•          Stuart Lines, Director of Public Health for Berkshire East will be the Senior Responsible Officer.

•          A temporary post will be created to support the establishment of the Berkshire East Combatting Drugs Partnership

•          Next steps will be to undertake a needs assessment and develop a local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 13 July 2022.

Council is asked to resolve a recommendation in respect of:

• Treasury Management