Council
Please Contact: Emma Denny
Please email: emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Please Direct Dial on: 01263 516010
15 February 2016
A meeting of the North Norfolk District Council will be held in the Council Chamber at the
Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Tuesday 23 February 2016 at 6.00 p.m.
Please note change of day
Sheila Oxtoby
Chief Executive
To: All Members of the Council
Members of the Management Team, appropriate Officers, Press and Public.
If you have any special requirements in order
to attend this meeting, please let us know in advance
If you would like any document in large print, audio, Braille, alternative format or in a
different language please contact us
Chief Executive: Sheila Oxtoby
Corporate Directors: Nick Baker and Steve Blatch
Tel 01263 513811 Fax 01263 515042 Minicom 01263 516005
Email districtcouncil@north-norfolk.gov.uk Web site northnorfolk.org
AGENDA
1.
PRAYER
Led by Reverend Canon David Roper, Rector of the Poppyland Benefice
2.
PRESENTATION ON INVESTORS IN PEOPLE
To receive a presentation from Caroline Watts, assessor for Investors in People on
the Gold standard recently awarded to the Council.
3.
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
To receive the Chairman’s communications, if any.
4.
TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS FROM MEMBERS
Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any
of the following items on the agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requires
that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable
pecuniary interest.
5.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive apologies for absence, if any.
6.
(attached – page10)
(Minutes Appendix A – p 18)
To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17 December 2014.
7.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
MINUTES
To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be
considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local
Government Act 1972.
8.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To consider any questions received from members of the public.
9.
APPOINTMENTS
a) To appoint Mr T FitzPatrick to the Grant Assessment Panel of the Sheringham
Shoal Community Fund
To consider any further appointments, if any.
10.
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL
(page 22)
** Please note that Karen Forster, Chairman of the Independent Remuneration Panel
will attend Council to present the report to Members**
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to recommend to Council the
allowances and expenses to be paid to Members to take effect
from May 2016. In accordance with the requirements of the
Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations
2003, the Council set up an Independent Remuneration Panel
as agreed at the meeting of Council held on 18 November 2015.
The terms of reference for the Panel were also agreed at the
November meeting of Council.
Conclusions:
The Council is required to observe as part of the legislation, the
following; ‘before an authority makes or amends a scheme, it
shall have regard to the recommendations made in relation to it
by an independent remuneration panel’. The findings and
recommendations of the Panel are detailed in this report.
Recommendations:
That Members consider the recommendations of the
Independent Remuneration Panel, adopt a scheme of
allowances and amend the Constitution accordingly.
Specifically, it is recommended that:
a) the Basic Allowance should increase to £5,000 pa;
b) the Scheme should remain index linked to officers’ pay
awards
c) the broadband allowance should remain at £180 pa
d) the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for the
Leader of the Council should remain calculated by way of
a multiplier of x2 the basic allowance;
e) the SRA for Cabinet Members with Portfolio should
remain calculated by way of a multiplier of x1.33 the
basic allowance;
f)
the SRA for Chairmen of Regulatory Committees of the
Council (except Development Committee) should remain
calculated by way of a multiplier of x0.67 the basic
allowance;
g) the SRA for the Chairman of the Development
Committee should be increased to x0.75 the basic
allowance to reflect the workload and demands of the
role
h) a new SRA of x0.25 the basic allowance for the ViceChairman of the Development Committee be introduced
to reflect the workload and demands of the role
i)
the SRA for the Chairman of the Council should be
increased to a multiplier of x0.5 the basic allowance to
reflect the demands of the role
j)
the SRA for the Leader of the main opposition group
should remain calculated by way of a multiplier of x0.33
the basic allowance;
k) payment of £30 - £50 per meeting attended should be
made to co-opted members of committees, with the
specific amount to be agreed by a resolution of the
Committee when co-opted members are appointed
l)
the carers’ allowance should be set at £10 per hour wage
for child care and £20 per hour wage for specialist care.
m) the existing travelling expenses scheme should be
maintained, and it should be subject to amendment in
accordance with prevailing national agreements;
n) the subsistence expenses scheme should be adjusted
with the allowance for tea being removed, the allowance
for lunch reduced to £8.00 and the allowance for dinner
increased to £20
o) the changes proposed by the Panel are not backdated,
but should take effect from the beginning of the municipal
year, in May 2016;
p) Members’ Allowances should remain ineligible for
admission to the Norfolk Local Government Scheme;
11.
Cabinet member(s):
All
Ward(s) affected:
All
Contact Officer,
telephone number,
and e-mail:
Emma Denny, Democratic Services Team Leader
01263 516010
emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 05 JANUARY 2016
a) MINUTE NO.101: CROMER WEST PROMENADE REVITALISATION
PROGRAMME
RESOLVED to recommend to Council:
to approve a further capital budget of £650,000 to support delivery of the phase 2
works.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendation at their
meeting held on 17th February 2016.
**Please note that the agenda for this meeting was sent out prior to the Council agenda being
published so the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman will provide an oral update**
b) MINUTE NO. 102 EGMERE BUSINESS ZONE PROJECT
RESOLVED to recommend to Council:
that subject to any necessary revision to the budget and policy framework, to the
establishment of a capital budget of up to £1.445 million (£450k from external
resources and £995k from NNDC capital resources) to support delivery of project.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendation at their
meeting held on 17th February 2016.
**Please note that the agenda for this meeting was sent out prior to the Council agenda being
published so the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman will provide an oral update**
12.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 08 FEBRUARY 2016
a) AGENDA ITEM 14: CAR PARK FEES AND CHARGES
RESOLVED to recommend to Council
1. To increase charges in coastal and resort car parks by 30 pence an hour
2. To freeze charges in standard car parks
3. To freeze charges for annual season tickets, introducing a monthly direct debit
option
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendations at their
meeting held on 17th February 2016.
**Please note that the agenda for this meeting was sent out prior to the Council agenda being
published so the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman will provide an oral update**
b) AGENDA ITEM 15 TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT
RESOLVED to recommend to Council
That the Council be asked to RESOLVE that The Treasury Management Strategy
Statement is approved.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendation at their
meeting held on 17th February 2016.
**Please note that the agenda for this meeting was sent out prior to the Council agenda being
published so the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman will provide an oral update**
13.
ANY FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY
COMMITTEE
To consider any further recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee meeting held on 17th February 2016.
14.
BUDGET AND COUNCIL TAX SETTING 2016/2017
(attached – p.31)
(Appendix A – p.50) (Appendix B – p.51) (Appendix C – p.55)
(Agenda note: As required by the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England)
(Amendment) Regulations 2014/165, a recorded vote will be taken in three parts:
recommendations 1 -7, recommendation 8 and then recommendations 9 and 10.
Cabinet resolved to recommend approval of the Budget for 2016/17 at their meeting
on 08 February 2016. The recommendations were endorsed by Overview and
Scrutiny at their meeting on 17th February 2016. These recommendations are now
incorporated within the recommendations below.
Summary:
Options
considered:
This report presents for approval the budget for
2016/17 and to make statutory calculations in
accordance with the Local Government Finance Act
1992 to set the Council Tax for 2016/17. The report
also includes the Chief Financial Officer’s report on
the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of
reserves.
It is a statutory requirement to set the budget each
year, whilst there are options around the content of
the budget presented for approval, the budget now
recommended reflects the recommendations made
by Cabinet at its meeting on 8 February 2016.
Conclusions:
It is the opinion of the Council’s Chief Financial
Officer that the budget for 2016/17 has been set within
a robust framework and the impact of this resolution
will maintain an adequate level of financial reserves
held by the Council.
Recommendations:
That having considered the Chief Financial Officer’s
report on the robustness of the estimates and the
adequacy of the proposed financial reserves, the
following be approved:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
The 2016/17 revenue budget as outlined at
Appendix A within this report;
The surplus of £1,260,206 be allocated to
the business rate reserve (£500,000) and
restructuring and invest
to save reserve
(£760,206);
The statement of and movement on the
reserves as detailed at Appendix C within this
report;
The updated Capital Programme and
financing for 2015/16 to 2018/19 (as detailed
at Appendix G within the February 2016
Cabinet Agenda);
The new capital bids (as detailed at Appendix
H within the February 2016 Cabinet Agenda);
The prudential indicators for 2016/17 (as
detailed at Appendix I within the February
2016 Cabinet Agenda);
That members note the current financial
projections for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20;
The Policy Framework for the Earmarked
Reserves and the Optimum Level of the
General
Reserve 2016/17 to 2019/20
(Appendix B within this report);
That members undertake the Council Tax
and statutory calculations set out at section
4, and set the Council Tax for 2016/17;
The demand on the Collection Fund for 2016/17,
subject to any amendments as a result of
final precepts still to be received be:
a. £5,473,605 for District purposes
b. £1,887,805.86 for Parish/Town
Precepts;
Reasons for Recommendations:
To approve the 2016/17 budget for revenue and capital and to make the statutory
calculations in respect of the 2016/17 Council Tax.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer,
telephone number,
and e-mail:
All
All
Karen Sly
01263 516243
karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
15.
PAY REPORT COVERING THE PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2016/17 AND THE
LIVING WAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE JOINT STAFF CONSULTATIVE
COMMITTEE
(attached – p.57)
(Pay Policy Statement– p.59)
Summary:
16.
Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011 (“the Act”) requires the
Council to produce an annual pay policy statement (“the
statement”) for the start of each financial year. The attached
statement is drawn up in compliance with the Act to cover
the period 2016/17. It is a legal requirement that Full
Council formally signs off this statement and the
responsibility cannot be devolved to any other person or
committee.
Conclusions:
The attached statement sets out current remuneration
arrangements for officers.
Recommendations:
To adopt the attached Pay Policy Statement and to publish
the statement for 2016/17 on the Council’s website.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer,
telephone number,
and e-mail:
Tom FitzPatrick
All
Julie Cooke
01263 516040
julie.cooke@north-norfolk.gov.uk
BOUNDARY REVIEW
Appendix 1 – p.76
To advise Members that the Council has been informed by the Local Government
Boundary Commission for England that it is subject to a ward boundary review. This
will take place during 2016 and will inform elections from 2019. The Lead
Commissioner for the Boundary Commission will be presenting an overview of the
process and the timetable at 11am on Monday 7th March.
Members are asked to note that this review is taking place and all Members are
encouraged to attend the presentation. A draft timetable is attached at Appendix 1.
17.
DEVOLUTION IN EAST ANGLIA
To receive an oral update from the Leader on the devolution proposal for East Anglia
18.
TO RECEIVE THE APPROVED MINUTES OF THE UNDERMENTIONED
COMMITTEES
19.
Members are requested to note that the minutes of the undermentioned committees
have been approved. Copies of all the minutes are available on the Council’s website
or from Democratic Services.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Audit Committee – 15 September 2015
Cabinet – 30 November 2015
Cabinet – 05 January 2016
Development Committee – 26 November 2015
Development Committee – 14 January 2016
Licensing & Appeals Committee – 16 November 2015
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 11 November 2015
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 09 December 2015
20.
REPORTS FROM THE CABINET OR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
To receive reports from the Cabinet or Members of the Cabinet.
21.
QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS
To receive questions from Members.
22.
OPPOSITION BUSINESS
To receive any opposition business.
23.
NOTICE(S) OF MOTION
The following Notice of Motion has been proposed by Councillor S Butikofer and
seconded by Councillor D Young:
This Council Was concerned and saddened to learn of the death of another North Norfolk resident
following a road traffic accident on the A148 near Holt on New Year's Eve.
Notes that whilst important progress in reducing road casualties in Norfolk had
previously been made, this progress has ceased in recent years and numbers of
casualties killed or seriously injured have been increasing since December
2013.(Source www.think.norfolk.gov.uk)
Notes further that in the year to end December 2014 North Norfolk had the highest
number of road traffic casualties involving a car (75%) anywhere in Norfolk, and the
highest percentage of pedestrian casualties 12.5% against county averages of 70
and 9.7% respectively. (Source http://www.norfolkinsight.org.uk)
Recognises the concerns of local residents that the A148 between the Holt
roundabout and Cromer is becoming more of an accident blackspot, with a steady
increase in the number of deaths and serious accidents along this stretch of the
highway, tragically including three deaths here in as many years.
Welcomes and applauds the work already undertaken by several campaign groups to
raise awareness of the dangers to pedestrians along this stretch of the road.
Recognises that the A148 between Holt and Cromer is a distance of just 10 miles but
is subject to 13 speed regulation changes, and that perhaps a more consistent and
standardised approach to speed regulation particularly at dangerous junctions and
where people live may provide some of the solution in this area.
Resolves to
1. request that Norfolk County Highways reconsider carrying out a road safety survey
of the A148 between Holt (Thornage road roundabout) and Cromer (Morrisons
Junction) as a matter of urgency.
2. request that the Chief Constable of Norfolk provide a report to the Council detailing
action currently being taken to enforce speed limits in the area, and the steps that the
proposed new Road Casualty Reduction Team will take in North Norfolk to address
concerns regarding highway safety.
24.
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
To pass the following resolution – if necessary:
“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public
be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds
that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in
paragraph(s) _ of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”
25.
PRIVATE BUSINESS
Circulation:
All Members of the Council.
Members of the Management Team and other appropriate Officers.
Press and Public
COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of North Norfolk District Council held on 16 December 2015 at the
Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 6.00 pm.
Members Present:
Mrs S Butikofer
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds
Mr N Coppack
Mrs H Cox
Mr N Dixon
Mrs J English
Mr T FitzPatrick
Mrs A Fitch-Tillett
Ms V R Gay
Mrs A Green
Mrs P Grove-Jones
Mr B Hannah
Mr M Knowles
Officers in
Attendance:
Mr E Seward
Mr R Shepherd
Mr N Smith
Mr R Stevens
Mrs V Uprichard
Mrs L Walker
Mr S Ward
Mr G Williams
Mr A Yiasimi
Mr D Young
The Chief Executive, The Corporate Directors, the Communications
Manager and the Democratic Services Team Leader
None
Press:
99.
Mr J Lee
Mr N Lloyd
Mrs B McGoun
Mrs A Moore
Mr P W Moore
Mr W J Northam
Mrs J Oliver
Miss B Palmer
Mr N Pearce
Mr R Price
Ms M Prior
Mr J Rest
Mr R Reynolds
PRAYERS
The Chairman invited Reverend James Porter, Vicar, Cromer Parish Church with St. Martins
to lead prayers.
100.
PRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION
Bev Townsend and Mike Pepperell gave a presentation on behalf of the Benjamin Foundation
on the support offered to young carers across the District.
The Chairman thanked Ms Townsend for her very informative presentation. She invited
Members to comment.
1. Mr N Smith said that he had been involved with bereavement and suicide support for
many years and he knew first-hand how difficult it was for young people to deal with the
death of someone they were caring for.
2. Mrs S Arnold said that as a founder member of the Benjamin Foundation she was very
pleased to see the Chief Executive, Tony Ing, in attendance for the presentation.
3. Mr B Hannah said that the presentation had been very informative and he was pleased
that so many members had been able to see it.
4. Mrs B McGoun asked whether it was hard for some young carers to leave their parents
behind and attend the group meetings. Mr Pepperell confirmed that this could be
challenging but said that children could contact their families at any time during the
sessions and they could also be contacted by their families if needed.
5. Mr A Yiasimi congratulated Ms Townsend and Mr Pepperell on their excellent presentation
and said that he would like to learn more.
10
101.
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
The Chairman thanked Ms Townsend and Mr Pepperell for their very informative presentation.
She reminded Members that there would be a collection at the end of the meeting for her
nominated charities and she thanked Alison Argent for making the distinctive collection box.
The Chairman then updated Members on recent events that she had attended. She said that it
had been a very busy month and she had attended the excellent Christmas show on Cromer
pier and pantomimes at Sheringham and Fakenham. She concluded by reminding Members
that there would be carols in the Council Office reception area at midday on 22nd December.
102.
TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS
None
103.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs S Butikofer, Mr V FitzPatrick, Mr P W High, Mrs
G Perry-Warnes, Mr P Rice, Mr S Shaw, Mr D Smith and Mr A Wells.
104.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2015 were approved as a correct record
and signed by the Chairman.
105.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
None
106.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None
107.
APPOINTMENTS
None
108.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 02 NOVEMBER 2015
a) AGENDA ITEM 13: REVIEW OF GAMBLING POLICY
Mrs J Oliver, Portfolio Holder for Licensing introduced this item. She said that the revised
policy had been approved by Cabinet and that there had been no comments submitted during
the consultation period. Mr R Price, Chairman of the Licensing & Appeals Committee
confirmed that the Committee had endorsed the Cabinet recommendation at their meeting on
16 November 2015.
RESOLVED
To adopt the Gambling Policy
11
109.
FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE LICENSING & APPEALS COMMITTEE 16
NOVEMBER 2015
Mr R Price, Chairman of the Licensing & Appeals Committee introduced this item. He thanked
the Public Protection Manager and her team for their hard work in producing a simplified and
much improved document.
RESOLVED
To adopt the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.
110.
ANY FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
11 NOVEMBER 2015
There were no further recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
111.
DETERMINATION OF COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNTS AND CHARGES
Mr W Northam, Portfolio Holder for Revenues and Benefits, introduced this item. He explained
that the report recommended the level of council tax discounts and premiums which would
apply to second homes, empty properties and uninhabitable dwellings for the financial year
2016/17.
It was proposed by Mr W Northam, seconded by Mr R Shepherd and
RESOLVED
That under section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, and in accordance with
the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 and other enabling powers that:
The council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘A’ remains at 50% for the
year 2016/17;
the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘B’ remains at 5% for the
year 2016/17;
Those dwellings that are specifically identified under regulation 6 of the Council Tax
(Prescribed Classes of Dwellings)(England) Regulations 2003, which will retain the 50%
discount;
those dwellings described or geographically defined at Appendix A which in the reasonable
opinion of the Head of Finance are judged not to be structurally capable of occupation all year
round and were built before the restrictions of seasonal usage were introduced by the Town
and Country Planning Act 1947, will retain the 50% discount;
the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘C’ to remain at 100% for
three months for the year 2016/17;
the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘D’ to remain at 50% for a
maximum of twelve months for the year 2016/17.
12
To resolve that under section 11B(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, and in
accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 and other enabling
powers:
A premium is charged for properties which have been empty and substantially unfurnished for
two years or more of 50% of the council tax payable in relation to that dwelling.
In accordance with the relevant legislation these determinations shall be published in at least
one newspaper circulating in North Norfolk before the end of the period of 21 days beginning
with the date of the determinations.
112.
DETERMINATION OF THE COUNCIL TAX BASE FOR 2016/17 AND THE TREATMENT OF
SPECIAL EXPENSES
Mr W Northam, Portfolio Holder for Revenues and Benefits, introduced this item. He said that
the purpose of the report was to determine the Council’s 2016/17 tax base and the 2016/17
tax base for each parish in accordance with the legal requirements. He said that there was an
increase of 636 on the current year due to a rise in property numbers.
It was proposed by Mr W Northam, seconded by Mr J Rest and
RESOLVED
a) That the calculations set out in this report used to produce the Council’s tax base be
approved, and the tax base for 2016/17 be determined as 37,940;
b) That the tax base for each parish area for the financial year 2016/17 be as set out at
paragraph 2.1.
113.
REVIEW OF HOUSING DELIVERY INCENTIVE SCHEME
Mrs S Arnold, Portfolio Holder for Planning, introduced this report. She explained that the
scheme had been initiated in 2013 to kick-start house building in the District. An extension of
the current scheme for a further 12 months was recommended as there continued to be a
shortfall in dwelling completions and evidence suggested that this was unlikely to improve in
the short term. Mrs Arnold concluded by saying that the Code for Sustainable Homes was
abolished in early 2015 and any references to this would be removed from the scheme.
The Chairman invited Members to comment:
1. Mrs B McGoun asked how many affordable homes had been built since the
introduction of the scheme. Mrs Arnold replied that since 2012/13 over 300 such
dwellings had been built.
2. Mrs A Moore queried how many houses had been completed under the scheme for the
current year. The Planning Policy Manager replied that in excess of 900 homes would
have been covered by the Scheme by the end of the year. He said that he would
provide an exact figure as soon as possible.
The Leader, Mr T FitzPatrick added that the UK was short of 900k homes. North Norfolk had a
target of 400 new homes per year and prices were so high because there were not enough
houses available. By building more houses, homes would become more affordable. He said
that the Scheme had already proved its worth by kick-starting the housing market.
13
Mr E Seward said that all members agreed that something needed to be done to address the
shortage of homes in the District but it was important that the Scheme was working as
intended. He asked that for larger sites, where there had been a reduction in the number of
affordable homes requires, whether they were completing within the specified timescale. The
Planning Policy Manager confirmed that all of the schemes had been delivered within the
required timescales and none had met the trigger.
It was proposed by Mrs S Arnold, seconded by Mr J Rest and
RESOLVED
That the current Housing Incentive Scheme be amended to delete reference to the Code for
Sustainable Homes and is extended to the 31st December 2016.
114.
SHARED WORKING ARRANGEMENTS – INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND S151
OFFICER
The Leader, Mr T FitzPatrick, introduced this item. He began by saying that he wished to
propose the following amendment to recommendation 2:
2) To approve the secondment agreement subject to there being delegated authority given to
the Monitoring Officer (in consultation with the Leader) to agree any further amendments to
the secondment agreement
Mr FitzPatrick said that the same report was also being considered by Great Yarmouth
Borough Council and it set out the legal and practical arrangements that would be put in place
to establish an effective set of working arrangements for both Councils during the interim
period. It also provided Members with a draft timetable for the development of the Business
Case. Mr FitzPatrick concluded by saying that financial support was being provided by the
LGA and that the interim period provided an opportunity for both councils to ‘test out’ a shared
services arrangement.
The Chairman invited Members to comment:
1. Mr B Hannah requested that each recommendation was voted on separately.
2. Mr E Seward said that the Liberal Democrat Group supported the original proposal to
explore shared services and that if savings would be achieved then they would continue to
support the arrangement. He went onto say that it seemed possible for the Corporate
Leadership Team to devolve their functions so that the Chief Executive was not required 5
days a week and he wondered whether it was therefore necessary to have a leadership
team of three and whether two would be preferable. Mr FitzPatrick referred Mr Seward to
section 3.2 of the report which provided an analysis of the work undertaken by the Chief
Executive at NNDC. He said that she was not working ‘half-time’ at the Council but had
devolved her responsibilities to the two Corporate Directors. A business case would need
to be worked up if a proposal was put forward to reduce the size of the Corporate
Leadership Team. The Chief Executive added that her working arrangements were aimed
at providing a suitable level of resilience rather than reducing numbers in either authority.
3. Mrs B McGoun queried whether Section 5 of the report entitled ‘Secondment Agreement’
should be amended to reflect the amendment to the recommendation. Mr FitzPatrick
replied that all secondment agreements could be undertaken by the Head of Paid Service,
with the exception of her own post.
4. Mrs A Moore referred to section 2.2 of the report which covered administrative support at
both councils. She said it looked as though there would be a considerable amount of extra
work for the Corporate PA’s and she wondered whether their roles and salary levels
should be reviewed. The Chief Executive replied that everything would continue on current
14
5.
6.
7.
8.
levels for the interim period and they would be reviewed if the arrangements became
permanent.
Mr D Young said that he was concerned that the report referred to the Head of Paid
Service and S151 Officer but that there was no reference at all to the working
arrangements of the S151 Officer. The Chief Executive replied that there was no detail
regarding the S151 officer post as the report related to the secondment arrangement for
the Chief Executive as this was a decision for Council to agree. As previously stated, the
Chief Executive was responsible for overseeing all other secondment agreements and this
was the case with the S151 officer post. She added that she was monitoring the S151
Officer’s workload and that any concerns raised by Members regarding the arrangements
for this post had been responded to.
Ms V Gay asked whether it was possible to have a summary of the process for the
secondment of the Head of Human Resources. The Monitoring Officer advised Members
that the option to share resources with another council was available under the Local
Government Act 1972. The consent of the officer involved must be given but otherwise it
was for the local authorities concerned to agree the arrangements. The Chief Executive
added that the Council had been approached in early August 2015 by Great Yarmouth BC
about sharing the Head of HR post. The officer concerned started the shared arrangement
on 1st September 2015. She confirmed that this was separate to the decision to share the
other posts and regardless of the outcome of the interim shared services agreement, it
was likely that the arrangement to share Human Resources support would continue as it
was working well. She said that if the arrangement did become permanent then the final
decision would be taken by Council.
Mr E Seward said that at previous meetings of Council, Members had been advised that a
further report would be brought back on the arrangements for the Chief Executive post
and the S151 officer and this had not been done. Mr FitzPatrick replied that the report
before Members had been produced for reasons of transparency and reiterated that there
was no need for Council to agree the S151 Officer secondment.
Mr N Lloyd said that there was not enough information before Members for them to make
an informed decision. He said that the report was due to come to Council in November
and had been delayed due to time constraints. He went onto say that he was concerned
about the lack of detail in the report but that he did support the proposals to save money.
Mr T FitzPatrick clarified that the report was initially scheduled to come to the November
meeting of Council but that for timetabling reasons it could not be brought to that meeting. He
said that Members could be briefed further if required and that any concerns could be
addressed directly to the Chief Executive. He went onto say that the proposals were not just
about saving money. It was an evolving process and a proper business case would be worked
up. He said that it was currently an interim arrangement and that it could be ended if Members
were not satisfied that it was working.
The Chief Executive said that she had offered to meet with the Leader of the Liberal Democrat
Group on a regular basis to keep him updated. She suggested that an informal group of
Members could be formed to look at the operational issues, if required. Mr FitzPatrick said that
he supported establishing such a group and that he would also like to see regular meetings of
the Group Leaders.
Mr P W Moore said that he felt there should be more cross-party discussion on the shared
services arrangements. He said that his Group had received the information just prior to the
Council meeting and that there had been very little time to discuss it.
Mr FitzPatrick clarified the current situation. He said that the LGA had offered political support
and he said that his own Group were keen to take this up. He said that if the Opposition group
wanted to be kept fully informed, the best way would be for their Leader to take part in the
Group Leader meetings. He reiterated that the offer of help and information was there.
15
In response to a further point from Mr P W Moore regarding the late receipt of information, the
Chief Executive confirmed that she had only received an email from Mr A Wells the previous
day and she had replied within 24 hours.
Mr T FitzPatrick requested a recorded vote. (Minutes Appendix 1)
It was proposed by Mr T FitzPatrick, seconded by Mrs A Fitch-Tillett and
RESOLVED to
1) Note the practical working arrangements.
2) Approve the secondment agreement, subject to there being delegated authority given to
the Monitoring Officer (in consultation with the Leader) to agree any further amendments
to the secondment agreement.
3) Note the financial implications.
4) Approve the timetable for preparing a business case for shared management for decision
by Council in June 2016.
115.
REVISED PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2015/16
The Leader, Mr T FitzPatrick, introduced this item. He said that the annual pay policy
statement had been approved in June 2015 and that it now needed to be amended to reflect
the interim shared services arrangements and the use of ‘Golden Hello’s’ and retention
payments for staff in hard to recruit areas. The updated Pay Policy Statement would cover the
remainder of the 2015/16 municipal year.
The Chairman invited Members to comment:
1. Mr D Young sought an explanation of the figures relating to the Chief Executive’s post. Mr
FitzPatrick replied that there was an uplift but there was no cost to NNDC as it was borne
by Great Yarmouth BC.
2. Mr E Seward queried why the Pay Policy Statement required amendment of there was no
cost to NNDC. The Head of Organisational Development explained that it was because
the Chief Executive was an employee of NNDC and in order to pay a supplement through
the Council’s payroll, the change must be reflected in the Pay Policy Statement.
3. Mrs A Moore commented that the issue of recruiting planning staff had been discussed at
Audit Committee and it was acknowledged that it was a nationwide problem.
It was proposed by Mr T FitzPatrick, seconded by Mr N Coppack and
RESOLVED
To adopt the amended Pay Policy Statement and to publish the statement for 2015/16 on the
Council’s website.
116.
DRAFT PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS
It was proposed by Miss B Palmer, seconded by Mr R Reynolds and
RESOLVED
To adopt the Programme of Meetings for 2016-17
16
117.
TO RECEIVE THE APPROVED MINUTES OF THE UNDERMENTIONED COMMITTEES
The minutes of the meetings below were noted as a correct record;
a)
b)
c)
d)
118.
Cabinet – 05 October 2015
Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 14 October
Cabinet – 02 November 2015
Development Committee – 12 November 2015
REPORTS FROM THE CABINET OR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
The Leader Mr T FitzPatrick informed Members that there was to be a review of ward
boundaries. The Leader and the Chief Executive had recently met with representatives from
the Local Government Boundary Commission and the Local Government Association. There
would be a presentation to Members as soon as possible outlining the proposed review
timetable
Mr FitzPatrick then reiterated his earlier comments regarding shared services. He said that he
would like to see the establishment of a cross-party working group as it was a very important
issue. He went onto say that government policy supported driving down costs and it was
imperative that Members worked together in the best interests of the Council.
Mr FitzPatrick concluded by referring to devolution. He said that the Secretary of State now
had the power to impose it. At the last meeting of Norfolk and Suffolk Leaders it had been
agreed that there should be discussions with representatives from Cambridge and
Peterborough. He said that once the approaches had been made, a report would be brought
back to Members.
119.
QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS
None
120.
OPPOSITION BUSINESS
None
121.
NOTICE(S) OF MOTION
None
122.
PRIVATE BUSINESS
None
The meeting concluded at 7.38 pm.
_________________________
Chairman
17
COUNCIL
RECORDED VOTE FORM
Motion: Agenda Item – Shared services – Recommendation 1
Date: 16 December 2016
For
Against
Abst
For
Arnold, S
Oliver, J
X
Butikofer, S
Palmer, B
X
X
ClaussenReynolds, A
Coppack, N
X
Pearce, N
X
Perry-Warnes, G
Cox, H
X
Price, R
X
Dixon, N
X
Prior, M
X
English. J
X
Punchard, J
Fitch-Tillett, A
X
Rest, J
X
FitzPatrick, T
X
Reynolds, R
X
FitzPatrick, V
Abst
Rice, P
Gay, V R
Green, A R
Against
X
Seward, E
X
Shaw, S
X
Grove-Jones, P
X
Shepherd, R
Hannah, B J
X
Smith, B
X
Hester, S
Smith, D
High, P W
Smith, N
X
Jarvis, B
Stevens, R
X
Knowles, M
X
Uprichard, V
X
Lee, J H A
X
Walker, L
X
Lloyd, N
X
Ward, S
McGoun, B M
X
Wells, A
Moore, A
X
Williams, G
X
X
Moore, P W
X
Yiasimi, A
X
Northam, W J
X
Young, D
X
recorded votes form
18
COUNCIL
RECORDED VOTE FORM
Motion: Agenda Item 16 Shared Services – Rec 2
Date: 16 December 2015
For
Against
Abst
For
Arnold, S
Oliver, J
X
Butikofer, S
Palmer, B
X
X
ClaussenReynolds, A
Coppack, N
X
Pearce, N
X
Perry-Warnes, G
Cox, H
X
Price, R
X
Dixon, N
X
Prior, M
X
English, J
X
Punchard, J
Fitch-Tillett, A
X
Rest, J
X
FitzPatrick, T
X
Reynolds, R
X
FitzPatrick, V
Abst
Rice, P
Gay, V R
Green, A R
Against
X
Seward, E
X
Shaw, S
X
Grove-Jones, P
X
Shepherd, R
Hannah, B J
X
Smith, B
X
Hester, S
Smith, D
High, P W
Smith, N
X
Jarvis, B
Stevens, R
X
Knowles, M
X
Uprichard, V
X
Lee, J H A
X
Walker, L
X
Lloyd, N
Ward, S
X
McGoun, B M
X
Wells, A
Moore, A
X
Williams, G
Moore, P W
Northam, W J
X
X
X
X
Yiasimi, A
X
Young, D
X
recorded votes form
19
COUNCIL
RECORDED VOTE FORM
Motion: Agenda Item 16: Shared Services – Recommendation 3
Date: 16 December 2015
For
Against
Abst
For
Arnold, S
Oliver, J
X
Butikofer, S
Palmer, B
X
X
ClaussenReynolds, A
Coppack, N
X
Pearce, N
X
Perry-Warnes, G
Cox, H
X
Price, R
X
Dixon, N
X
Prior, M
X
English. J
X
Punchard, J
Fitch-Tillett, A
X
Rest, J
X
FitzPatrick, T
X
Reynolds, R
X
FitzPatrick, V
Against
Abst
Rice, P
Gay, V R
X
Seward, E
Green, A R
X
Shaw, S
Grove-Jones, P
X
Shepherd, R
Hannah, B J
X
X
X
Smith, B
Hester, S
Smith, D
High, P W
Smith, N
X
Jarvis, B
Stevens, R
X
Knowles, M
X
Uprichard, V
X
Lee, J H A
X
Walker, L
X
X
Lloyd, N
X
Ward, S
McGoun, B M
X
Wells, A
Moore, A
X
Williams, G
X
Moore, P W
X
Yiasimi, A
X
Northam, W J
X
Young, D
X
recorded votes form
20
COUNCIL
RECORDED VOTE FORM
Motion: Agenda item 16 – Shared Services – Recommendation 4
Date: 16 December 2016
For
Against
Abst
For
Arnold, S
Oliver, J
X
Butikofer, S
Palmer, B
X
X
ClaussenReynolds, A
Coppack, N
X
Pearce, N
X
Perry-Warnes, G
Cox, H
X
Price, R
X
Dixon, N
X
Prior, M
X
English. J
X
Punchard, J
Fitch-Tillett, A
X
Rest, J
X
FitzPatrick, T
X
Reynolds, R
X
FitzPatrick, V
Against
Abst
Rice, P
Gay, V R
X
Seward, E
Green, A R
X
Shaw, S
Grove-Jones, P
X
Shepherd, R
Hannah, B J
X
X
X
Smith, B
Hester, S
Smith, D
High, P W
Smith, N
X
Jarvis, B
Stevens, R
X
Knowles, M
X
Uprichard, V
X
Lee, J H A
X
Walker, L
X
X
Lloyd, N
X
Ward, S
McGoun, B M
X
Wells, A
Moore, A
X
Williams, G
X
Moore, P W
X
Yiasimi, A
X
Northam, W J
X
Young, D
X
recorded votes form
21
Council
23 February 2016
Agenda Item No_____10________
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL ON THE MEMBERS’ SCHEME
OF ALLOWANCES - FEBRUARY 2016
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to recommend to Council the allowances
and expenses to be paid to Members to take effect from May 2016. In
accordance with the requirements of the Local Authorities (Members’
Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, the Council set up an
Independent Remuneration Panel as agreed at the meeting of Council
held on 18 November 2015. The terms of reference for the Panel
were also agreed at the November meeting of Council.
Conclusions:
The Council is required to observe as part of the legislation, the
following; ‘before an authority makes or amends a scheme, it shall
have regard to the recommendations made in relation to it by an
independent remuneration panel’. The findings and recommendations
of the Panel are detailed in this report.
Recommendations:
That Members consider the recommendations of the Independent
Remuneration Panel, adopt a scheme of allowances and amend the
Constitution accordingly. Specifically, it is recommended that:
a) the Basic Allowance should increase to £5,000 pa;
b) the Scheme should remain index linked to officers’ pay awards
c) the broadband allowance should remain at £180 pa
d) the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for the Leader of
the Council should remain calculated by way of a multiplier of
x2 the basic allowance;
e) the SRA for Cabinet Members with Portfolio should remain
calculated by way of a multiplier of x1.33 the basic allowance;
f)
the SRA for Chairmen of Regulatory Committees of the
Council (except Development Committee) should remain
calculated by way of a multiplier of x0.67 the basic allowance;
g) the SRA for the Chairman of the Development Committee
should be increased to x0.75 the basic allowance to reflect the
workload and demands of the role
h) a new SRA of x0.25 the basic allowance for the Vice-Chairman
of the Development Committee be introduced to reflect the
workload and demands of the role
i)
the SRA for the Chairman of the Council should be increased
to a multiplier of x0.5 the basic allowance to reflect the
demands of the role
22
Council
23 February 2016
j)
the SRA for the Leader of the main opposition group should
remain calculated by way of a multiplier of x0.33 the basic
allowance;
k) payment of £30 - £50 per meeting attended should be made to
co-opted members of committees, with the specific amount to
be agreed by a resolution of the Committee when co-opted
members are appointed
l)
the carers’ allowance should be set at £10 per hour wage for
child care and £20 per hour wage for specialist care.
m) the existing travelling expenses scheme should be maintained,
and it should be subject to amendment in accordance with
prevailing national agreements;
n) the subsistence expenses scheme should be adjusted with the
allowance for tea being removed, the allowance for lunch
reduced to £8.00 and the allowance for dinner increased to
£20
o) the changes proposed by the Panel are not backdated, but
should take effect from the beginning of the municipal year, in
May 2016;
p) Members’ Allowances should remain ineligible for admission to
the Norfolk Local Government Scheme;
Cabinet member(s):
Ward(s) affected:
All
All
Emma Denny, Democratic Services Team Leader
Contact Officer,
telephone number, and e-mail:
01263 516010, emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
1.
Introduction
1.1
The Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), which was appointed for a 4 year term with
effect from 18 November 2015 and consists of 3 members;
Paddy Seligman, Karen Forster and Sandra Cox.
The Chair of the Panel was selected by its members at the start of the first meeting
where it was agreed that Karen Forster would be the Chairman.
1.2
The IRP met on 18 January 2016 and 05 February 2016 to consider the available
evidence before making the recommendations being put to the Council and was assisted
by the Monitoring Officer and the Democratic Services Team Leader.
1.3
The Panel agreed the Terms of Reference as outlined below in section 2 of this report
and were appraised of the full range of roles covered by Members in carrying out their
duties as District Councillors in relation to the current Scheme of Members’ Allowances.
1.4
Consideration was given to the Terms of Reference of the Council’s Committees and
the frequency they meet as per the published Programme of Meetings.
23
Council
23 February 2016
1.5
Comparative data on Members’ Allowances Schemes throughout Suffolk and Norfolk
were also studied to help set a contextual benchmark for the North Norfolk Scheme.
1.6
Consideration was given to the survey responses submitted by Members regarding their
workload, ward duties, meeting attendance and any additional duties.
2.
Terms of Reference
2.1
The Regulations provide that the IRP can make recommendations to the Council on the
following matters:
i)
The amount of basic allowance which should be payable equally to each elected
Member.
ii)
The roles and responsibilities for which a special responsibility allowance should
be payable and the amount of each such allowance.
iii)
Travelling and subsistence.
iv)
Co-optees’ allowance.
v)
Whether an allowance in respect of expenses of arranging for the care of
children and dependants should be included and, if appropriate, the amount of
allowance and means by which it is determined.
vi)
Backdating of allowances to the beginning of a financial year in which the
scheme is amended.
vii)
Annual adjustments of allowances.
viii)
Whether Members are to be eligible for contributory membership of the Local
Government Scheme.
ix)
Whether basic allowance or Special Responsibility Allowance are eligible.
3.
Issues Considered and the Panel’s Conclusions
3.1
The issues under consideration and the Panel’s conclusions were as follows:-
3.2
Basic Allowance
The current scheme provides for a payment of a basic allowance, in the sum of
£4,054.88pa. The Basic Allowance is intended to reflect time commitment for all
councillors for ward work, meetings with officers and attendance at committee meetings
and group meetings.
After receiving evidence in respect of both committee and ward roles and reviewing
comparative schemes across Norfolk and Suffolk, and being mindful that there had not
been an increase in the basic allowance since 2003, the Panel felt that it was
appropriate to suggest an increase. It was also noted that North Norfolk District Council
was in the bottom three Norfolk authorities for allowances and that this, together with an
inflationary link (which would have resulted in a payment of £4890), would justify an
increase to £5000 pa. It was also noted that several councils who already had higher
rates of basic allowance than NNDC were currently undergoing a review and it was likely
that their allowances would rise again.
24
Council
23 February 2016
The Panel agreed that it would be helpful to allocate some of the basic allowance to
specific areas such as ‘use of home’ and ‘training’. Once an agreed amount was
allocated to these two areas, the remaining amount would provide an indication of what
was voluntary and what Members would receive an allowance for. It was agreed that
£500 pa be allocated for ‘use of home’ and £500 pa be allocated for training and
development. It was hoped that by allocating a certain amount towards training that
members might be encouraged to attend courses. The Panel also requested that
Members’ attendance for development courses and workshops be published on the
Council’s website. The Panel agreed that it was appropriate that Members’ allowances
remained index linked to the staff pay award.
The Panel discussed IT provision and support for Members. They felt that whilst there
were no cost implications for Members regarding this, it would have been beneficial to
have provided them with wifi enabled tablets. Members were still reliant on downloading
documents and information via their home broadband and for this reason, the Panel
agreed to recommend that the current allowance of £180pa for broadband was
continued.
Recommendations
3.3

To recommend that the basic allowance be increased to £5000 pa

To recommend that Members’ attendance at training and development courses
be recorded on the Council’s website

To recommend that the Scheme should remain index linked to officers’ pay
awards

To recommend that the broadband allowance should remain at £180 pa.
Special Responsibility Allowances
Special responsibility allowances (SRAs) are calculated as a multiplier of the basic
allowance. The Panel considered this to be an appropriate way to calculate SRAs and
concluded that it should continue.
SRAs can be paid to those members of the Council who have significant additional
responsibilities over and above the generally accepted duties of a councillor.
The Panel considered the full range of responsibilities that could attract the payment of
an SRA under executive arrangements.
3.3.1
Leader of the Council
The Leader currently received a special responsibility allowance of £8,109.74. The Panel
noted the role of the Leader and the importance of the role. The Panel considered that
due to the proposed increase in the basic allowance the SRA would increase
accordingly and agreed to maintain the current SRA of x2 the basic allowance.
Recommendation
To recommend that the SRA for the Leader of the Council should remain calculated by
way of a multiplier of x2 the basic allowance, resulting in a special responsibility
allowance of £10,000.
3.3.2 Cabinet Members with Portfolio
Cabinet members currently received a special responsibility allowance of £5,392.66. The
Panel had regard to the roles and responsibilities of Cabinet Members and was satisfied
25
Council
23 February 2016
that the multiplier should remain unchanged, as the SRA would rise due to an increase
in the basic allowance.
The Panel also agreed that, as currently the case, the role of Deputy Leader should not
attract an allowance over and above that of a Cabinet Member with Portfolio as this was
considered to be a party political/management appointment.
Recommendation
To recommend that the SRA for Cabinet Members with Portfolio should remain
calculated by way of a multiplier of x1.33 the basic allowance, resulting in a special
responsibility allowance of £6,650
3.3.3 Chairmanship of Committees – Overview & Scrutiny, Licensing, Standards and
Audit
Currently, these Members receive a special responsibility allowance of £2,717.08 which
is calculated on a multiplier of x0.67. The Panel considered the terms of reference of
these committees and the regulatory responsibility they hold, which was considered to
represent a significant time commitment. They acknowledged that although the Audit
Committee met less frequently than other committees, the time commitment required by
the Chairman for meeting preparation and undergoing development and training was
considerable.
Recommendation
That the SRA for the Chairmanship of the Regulatory Committees of the Council should
remain calculated by way of a multiplier of x0.67 the basic allowance, resulting in a
special responsibility allowance £3,350
3.3.4 Chairmanship of Development Committee
The Panel acknowledged that this committee had a heavier workload than the others
due to the meeting schedule which included pre-meetings and site visits. The length of
the meetings together with the amount of time that the Chairman spent on reading
documents and liaising with planning officers meant that they had a much heavier
workload than other committee chairmen. It was therefore proposed that the current
multiplier of 0.67 (as applied to other committee chairmen) be increased to x0.75 the
basic allowance.
Recommendation
That the SRA for the Chairmanship of the Development Committee be increased to
x0.75 of the basic allowance, resulting in a special responsibility allowance of £3,750
3.3.5 Vice-chairmanship of the Development Committee
The Panel felt that the role of the Vice-chairman of the Development Committee should
also be acknowledged as they attended many of the same meetings as the Chairman. It
was agreed that a multiplier of 0.25 be applied.
Recommendation
That an SRA for the Vice-chairman of the Development Committee be applied, resulting
in a special responsibility allowance of £1,250.
26
Council
23 February 2016
3.3.6 Chairman of the Council
The Chairman of the Council currently receives an SRA payment of £1,337.78 pa, which
is calculated by way of a multiplier of x0.33. The Panel considered the significance of
the ambassadorial role of the Chairman in the North Norfolk Community and the
requirement to chair meetings of Full Council on a regular basis. It was also noted that
the current allowance was lower than that of neighbouring authorities. It was agreed that
the SRA should be increased to x0.5 the basic allowance.
Recommendation
To recommend that the SRA for the Chairman of the Council should be calculated by
way of a multiplier of x0.5 the basic allowance, resulting in a special responsibility
allowance of £2,500
3.3.7
Leader of the main opposition group
The Panel considered the role of the Leader of the main opposition group, which is
currently paid a special responsibility allowance of £1,337.78 pa, which is calculated by
way of a multiplier of x0.33 the basic allowance. The Panel considered the role in the
context of the regulations and the requirement that the allowance payment reflected the
time commitment of the role.
Recommendation
To recommend that the SRA for the Leader of the main opposition group should remain
calculated by way of a multiplier of x0.33 the basic allowance, resulting in a special
responsibility allowance of £1,650.
3.4
Co - opted members
The Council currently appoints co-opted members to the Standards Committee. Coopted members can claim for reasonable travelling and subsistence expenses but no
payment is made for attendance at meetings. The Panel agreed that their contribution
and commitment should be recognised and suggested a payment of between £30 and
£50 per meeting attended. The Monitoring Officer advised that the specific payment
amount should be agreed by a resolution of the committee when co-opted members
were appointed to that committee.
Recommendation
1. That a payment of £30 to £50 per meeting attended should be made to co-opted
members of committees.
2. The specific amount to be paid to be agreed by a resolution of the committee at
the time of appointment of co-opted members to the committee.
3.5
Carer’s Allowance
The Panel considered the different caring roles and agreed that these should be
reflected in the payments. For example, the rate for child care should be lower than that
for specialist care. The Panel agreed that these payments would not include a family
member or neighbour looking after a dependant. They also reiterated that payments
should be made on provision of receipts.
Recommendations
1. To recommend that the carers’ allowance should be set at two levels:
£10 per hour for child care
£20 per hour for specialist care
27
Council
23 February 2016
2. To recommend that the payment of a carers’ allowance should only be paid on
provision of a receipt
3.6
Travelling
The current scheme is based upon nationally set rates that are payable in respect of
meetings and attendance in relation to rightful responsibilities or representation of views,
for example, meetings of the Council, site visits, outside organisations etc. The Panel
could see no justification for moving away from these arrangements.
Recommendation
To recommend that the existing travelling expenses scheme should be maintained, and
that it should be subject to amendment in accordance with prevailing national
agreements.
3.7
Subsistence
The Panel agreed that the current payment of £3.76 for tea should be removed as
refreshments were usually provided at meetings and historically very few claims had
been made in this category. It was felt that the current payment for an evening meal was
too low and that it should be increased to reflect the price that a Member may have to
pay in a restaurant. It was agreed that the allowance for an evening meal should be
raised to £20, on provision of a receipt, except in exceptional circumstances, when a
higher payment may be acceptable, such as attendance at a meeting or conference in
central London.
The Panel agreed that payments for breakfast should only apply if the Member was
staying away overnight on Council business.
Regarding lunch payments, the Panel agreed that lunch was usually provided if
Members were attending a conference or lengthy meeting. However, they did not want
Members to lose out financially so it was agreed to reduce the payment to £8.00.
The Panel reiterated that all claims should be accompanied by receipts and that they
should be submitted within 3 months. All bookings for hotels should be done through the
Council except in exceptional circumstances.
Recommendation
3.7

To remove the current allowance of £3.76 for tea

To raise the allowance for dinner to £20.00

To reduce the allowance for lunch to £8.00
Backdating of Allowances
The Panel could see no justification for suggesting that allowances should be backdated
to the beginning of the financial year in which the scheme is to be amended.
Recommendation
To recommend that the changes proposed by the Panel are not backdated, but should
take effect from the beginning of the municipal year, in May 2016.
28
Council
3.8
23 February 2016
Provision for Pensions
The Panel were advised that a change in legislation in 2014 had resulted in the removal
of the option for Members to have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. In
light of this information, it was agreed that no changes were required to the current
position.
Recommendation
That Members’ allowances should remain ineligible for admission to the Norfolk Local
Government Pension Scheme.
3.9
Renunciation of allowances
The Panel strongly agreed that all Members should receive their allowance and that
renunciation should be discouraged.
Recommendation
To recommend that all Members should receive their allowance in recognition of the
commitment required and that the forgoing of allowances should be discouraged.
4
Future reviews
The Panel acknowledged that Council was undergoing a period of change, with shared
services already underway and a proposed boundary review. It was agreed that a ‘light
touch’ review should be undertaken in two years’ time to ensure that the allowances fully
reflected the workload and commitments of Members.
Recommendation
That a further review of Members’ allowances should be undertaken in 2018.
5.
Financial Implications
5.1
It will be a matter for the Council to determine any additional costs or savings in relation
to the Scheme when considering and deciding on the adoption of recommended
changes.
6.
Risks
6.1
The main risk associated with the review of the Members’ Scheme of Allowances is
reputational in nature. When considering the findings and recommendations of the
Independent Remuneration Panel, Members should evaluate them in the spirit intended
and the context of the prevailing circumstances. When making their decision however
the Panel would like to draw the Council’s attention to the length of time since the basic
allowance was increased and the effect such a low rate might have on encouraging
people from all walks of life to consider standing for election. While Members are
required to have due regard to the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel, it is
still a matter for the Council to decide whether it adopts the associated
recommendations in full or part.
7.
Sustainability
7.1
There are no direct sustainability implications associated with the review of the
Members’ Scheme of Allowances.
29
Council
23 February 2016
8.
Equality and Diversity
8.1
The principal issue arising from the review that has equality and diversity implications
concerns the recommendation in relation to the carers’ allowance. The Panel was of the
opinion that the proposed uplift in this allowance and the associated discretion would
have marginal financial implications and would help to reduce potential barriers to
existing Members’ full participation and may encourage future prospective candidates to
come forward, where they have caring responsibilities.
8.
Crime & Disorder
8.1
There are no direct crime and disorder implications associated with the review of the
Members’ Scheme of Allowances.
30
Agenda Item No___13_________
BUDGET AND COUNCIL TAX 2016/17
Summary:
This report presents for approval the budget for 2016/17
and to make statutory calculations in accordance with
the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to set the
Council Tax for 2016/17. The report also includes the
Chief Financial Officer’s report on the robustness of the
estimates and adequacy of reserves.
Options considered:
It is a statutory requirement to set the budget each year,
whilst there are options around the content of the
budget presented for approval, the budget now
recommended reflects the recommendations made by
Cabinet at its meeting on 8 February 2016.
Conclusions:
It is the opinion of the Council’s Chief Financial Officer
that the budget for 2016/17 has been set within a robust
framework and the impact of this resolution will maintain
an adequate level of financial reserves held by the
Council.
Recommendations:
That having considered the Chief Financial Officer’s
report on the robustness of the estimates and the
adequacy of the proposed financial reserves, the
following be approved:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
The 2016/17 revenue budget as outlined at
Appendix A within this report;
The surplus of £1,260,206 be allocated to the
business
rate
reserve
(£500,000)
and
restructuring and invest to save reserve
(£760,206);
The statement of and movement on the reserves
as detailed at Appendix C within this report;
The updated Capital Programme and financing
for 2015/16 to 2018/19 (as detailed at Appendix
G within the February 2016 Cabinet Agenda);
The new capital bids (as detailed at Appendix H
within the February 2016 Cabinet Agenda);
The prudential indicators for 2016/17 (as
detailed at Appendix I within the February 2016
Cabinet Agenda);
That members note the current financial
projections for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20;
The Policy Framework for the Earmarked
Reserves and the Optimum Level of the General
Reserve 2016/17 to 2019/20 (Appendix B within
this report);
That members undertake the Council Tax and
statutory calculations set out at section 4, and
set the Council Tax for 2016/17;
The demand on the Collection Fund for 2016/17,
31
subject to any amendments as a result of final
precepts still to be received be:
a. £5,473,605 for District purposes
b. £1,887,805.86 for Parish/Town Precepts;
Reasons for
Recommendations:
To approve the 2016/17 budget for revenue and capital
and to make the statutory calculations in respect of the
2016/17 Council Tax.
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on to write the report and which do not contain exempt information)
Budget reports and briefings, precepts (NCC, Police and Parishes)
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected: All
All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
Karen Sly, 01263 516243, Karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
1.
Introduction
1.1
This report presents for approval the 2016/17 General Fund revenue and capital
budgets along with the Council Tax for 2016/17. It also presents for information only
the current budget projections for the following three years 2017/18 to 2019/20.
1.2
The budget for 2016/17, along with detailed projections for the following three
financial years, were recommended by Cabinet on 8 February 2016 and then
considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 17 February 2016. For
clarification, the recommendations within this report make reference to those
included with the Cabinet agenda and amended as applicable.
1.3
This report includes the updated position for the 2016/17 budget and future
projections following the final Local Government Finance Settlement announcement
on 9 February 2016. Further details on the outcome of this announcement are
included in section 2 of the report.
2.
2016/17 Budget
2.1
Since the budget report was produced for Cabinet earlier this month the position for
2016/17 (Appendix A) has been updated to reflect the announcements included in
the final settlement. The key points from the final settlement announcements included
the following:
2.1.1
2.1.2
Compared to the provisional settlement, no authority would receive a lower
settlement in the final announcement;
Nationally there has been an increase in funding available over the four year
period of £525m as included in the Core Spending Power, this is due to:
 £150m per annum in Transitional Funding for 2016/17 and 2017/18;
 £25m in removing the Tariff / Top Up adjustment over 2017/18 and 2018/19;
32


£91m in additional Rural Services Delivery Grant over 2016/17 and 2017/18,
the allocation of additional funding for NNDC is an additional £361k in
2016/17 and a further allocation of £179k in 2017/18;
£109m in potential higher council tax increases for district councils over the
four years – due to extension of the £5 Council Tax increases referendum
principles, i.e. the higher of 2% or £5 to all, not just those authorities in the
lower quartile for band D Council Tax, NNDC is currently in this quartile.
2.2
The impact of the additional funding has increased the budgeted surplus in 2016/17
to £1.26 million and the forecast surplus in 2017/18 to £409k. The allocations for the
two later years have not changed from the provisional settlement figures. In relation
to the acceptance of the four year settlement and efficiency plan, authorities have
until 14 October to respond whether to accept the future years.
2.3
The budget has been updated to reflect the final parish precepts received. The
amount of all precepts has now been confirmed, but at the time of writing the report a
signed precept form is awaited from one parish council.
2.4
It should be noted that as the billing authority, the setting of the parish precepts will
have an impact on the total billed amount although not on the element which
represents the District Council. This means the total District amount billed for an
average Band D for 2016/17 will be £188.63 (see para 4.6), comprising District
element £138.87 and parish element of £49.76.
2.5
In making decisions in relation to setting the Council Tax, section 25 of the Local
Government Act 2003 requires the Chief Financial Officer of the Council to report to
the Council on the following matters:

the robustness of the estimates made for the purpose of the budget
calculations and

the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves.
2.6
This is provided in section 3 of the report.
3.
Chief Financial Officer’s Report
The Robustness of the Estimates
3.1
This section of the report provides a commentary on the robustness of the estimates
now presented and provides an analysis of the risks facing the Council in relation to
the control of income and expenditure flows compared to the budgets that are
recommended for 2016/17.
3.2
The framework within which the budget for 2016/17 has been constructed is similar to
that of previous years and takes into account the following:
a) Previous financial year out-turn position (2014/15) (3.3)
b) Financial Strategy 2016/17 to 2019/20 (3.4)
c) In-year budget monitoring and associated reports (3.5)
d) Cash flow monitoring (3.6)
3.3
The outturn position for 2014/15 was reported to Members in June 2015, this position
was confirmed following the external audit review and reported to Members in
September 2015. The outturn position is used to update the financial planning
process and establishes the baseline for the current estimates by reflecting
significant movements against the current position and those which will have an ongoing impact on the future financial position of the Council.
33
3.4
The financial planning process is well established and starts each year with the
production of the updated Financial Strategy, which includes high level financial
projections for the medium term. The Financial Strategy was presented to and
recommended by Members in September 2015. This process includes the critical
examination and challenge of the expenditure and income on existing services and
seeks to identify changed priorities in service delivery and planned future
developments, in line with the Corporate Plan and in response to both local and
national pressures. It also identifies changes to spending plans and income
projections as a result of local and national factors for example legislative changes,
local economic factors and changes in demand. These are also informed by the
previous years outturn position and the current year’s budget monitoring projections.
The financial forecast highlights the more significant budget movements in
preparation for producing the full detailed budget for the forthcoming year. At the
same time the anticipated level of future external Government funding is reviewed
along with the latest forecast of Council Tax income and New Homes Bonus funding
based on current tax base and planning data. By consolidating the financial
forecasts, the Financial Strategy seeks to identify future estimated budget
requirements and funding shortfalls at an early stage of the annual budget process to
enable preparation and planning beyond the short term. It also highlights
workstreams that will commence prior to the start of the following financial year that
will support delivery of a sustainable budget for the Council in the medium term.
3.5
In Year Budget Monitoring – The budget monitoring process is carried out throughout
the year with all expenditure and income being monitored on a monthly basis. Not
only does this provide an essential tool for ensuring that the current year’s budget is
achievable, but it is also fundamental in ensuring that the most up to date information
is incorporated into the future budget and projections taking into account where
budget pressures and additional income/ savings are highlighted during the year. The
regular budget monitoring is used to inform the annual financial planning and budget
process, of changes that will have an on-going financial impact in future years, as
opposed to having only a one-off implication in the current financial year. As part of
the budget monitoring process, monthly variance reports are provided to budget
managers and regular reports presented to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny
Committee detailing the latest projected outturn position for the current year. Regular
reviews of expenditure and commitments to date, along with income streams, are
carried out to ensure that overspends or shortfalls in income are identified at the
earliest opportunity and reported to Corporate Leadership Team and Members along
with recommended action plans to ensure that the Council’s overall budget can be
met.
3.6
Cash Flow Monitoring – The Council remains debt free and is forecast to be for the
2016/17 budget. It currently has no long term borrowing requirement and there have
been no cashflow issues. Sufficient liquidity is generally maintained to cover day to
day cash requirements. The cash flow position of the Council is monitored on a daily
basis and managed within the Treasury Management Strategy which is approved
alongside the budget each year. Monitoring of the treasury position is included within
the in-year budget monitoring reports in addition to the half-yearly Treasury
Management report.
3.7
Budgets are prepared using the best information that is available to the Council from
its own sources ie budget holders and service managers and from external advisors
for example the Council’s treasury advisors, Arlingclose. However, many budgets are
related to factors that fall outside the control of the Council, for example pay awards,
demand led income levels, inflation and interest rates, and all can have a significant
34
impact on the Council’s overall budget and financial position both in the current and
future years. Forecasting for these areas requires an examination of recent trends as
well as assimilating future projections from known factors.
3.8
There are a number of financial risks facing the authority which are relevant at both
service and corporate levels. In order that these risks are managed, a number of key
areas within the budget need to be closely monitored in the coming financial year,
these include:
a)
Car park income –This area generates income for the Council which in turn
supports the delivery of other services across the Council. With being a demand
led service which is influenced by external factors this service is regularly
monitored. The 2016/17 budget assumes gross income of just over £2.12
million from all car parking related fees and charges.
b)
Planning and building control fees – The 2016/17 base budget includes
income totalling approximately £1.08million from planning and building control
fees, this too is subject to external demands and is monitored regularly to
highlight any significant fluctuations against the budget.
c)
Waste and recycling credits – This is a significant source of income to the
Council and reflects the activity across the District in recycling domestic refuse.
A total of £995k is included in the 2016/17 base budget.
d)
Planned Savings and Additional Income – The Council is continuing to
deliver against a number of workstreams that are continuing to deliver service
improvements and cashable savings over the short to medium term.
Achievement of the savings are monitored during the year as part of the budget
monitoring process. New savings/additional income of £858,057 have been
included in the budget for 2016/17 and are in addition to those that are
continuing to be delivered from previous financial years.
e)
Council Tax Support – The Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) was
implemented from April 2013; whilst there have been no changes to the
Council’s scheme for 2016/17, there still remains a risk of increases in the
number of those eligible for Council Tax Support and the ability to collect
Council Tax.
f)
Business Rates Retention – The implications of this system of funding is that
the income from the Council’s share of the business rates will fluctuate in-year
and between years. The budget has been informed by the shares of the income
as specified in the National Non Domestic Rate 1 (NNDR) return submitted for
2016/17. The actuals for 2016/17 will not be confirmed until the annual NNDR3
return is completed in June 2017. The extension of the small business rate relief
continues to be funded by a section 31 grant for the amount of income foregone
by providing the reliefs; the actual income will fluctuate in the year as changes
in eligibility change. Other factors that will have an impact on the level of rates
retained are current and backdated appeals, along with new appeals for
example from NHS trusts which has been identified recently.
g)
Investment Returns – In recent years investment income has been
significantly reduced as a consequence of the prolonged period of low interest
rates which look likely to continue well into 2016. The Treasury Management
Strategy for 2016/17, as reported to Cabinet in February 2016, anticipates a
return of 2.4% will be achieved in 2016/17, and the Council will continue to
35
invest on a secured basis whenever possible. The investment income budget
includes interest on loans anticipated to be made to housing associations,
investments in pooled funds (including the Local Authorities Mutual Investment
Trust (LAMIT) pooled property fund), covered bonds and term deposits.
3.9
Looking beyond 2017/18, the financial projections included in the budget report
indicate that further savings will have to be made; this is based on the assumptions
about the future level of funding as included in the finance settlement. The financial
projections show a forecast budget surplus of £409k in 2017/18, then moving to a
forecast deficit of £1.2million in 2018/19 and to £1.9million in 2019/20.
3.10
The capital programme continues to be funded from a number of external and
internal resources, for example, capital receipts from the sale of assets, preserved
right to buy receipts, the VAT shelter arrangements and where applicable future
capital schemes from internal borrowing. In both cases prudent estimates are made
of the timing of such receipts and the expenditure profiles within the overall capital
programme.
3.11
Budget monitoring throughout the financial year is critical to the robustness of the
estimates and maintaining a sound financial position. It is through the ability to
manage and control the spending within the approved budgets and, where
appropriate, identify and recommend appropriate actions, which serves to mitigate
the Council’s level of financial risk.
3.12
Throughout the process of preparing the Council’s budget there is involvement of the
Elected Members through Officer/Member meetings and reports to Cabinet and
Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This includes both budget monitoring reports
during the year and the Financial Strategy Report.
3.13
The Council also takes advice from third party organisations concerning a number of
more technical factors that impact on the budget process, for example external
advice in relation to treasury management, VAT and Insurance. By doing so the
Council is able to monitor the wider implications of changes in interest rates, inflation
and employment and take remedial action to mitigate financial risk.
Adequacy of the Reserves
3.14
An assessment of the adequacy of the reserves, estimated to be available to the
Council throughout 2016/17 is based on the possible commitments falling to be
discharged against the following categories of reserves:
 General Reserve
 Earmarked Reserves.
3.15
Where there is budgeted expenditure to be funded from a reserve (earmarked or
general) these will be allowed for within the reserves statement.
3.16
There are three main reasons for holding reserves:
a) as a contingency to cushion the impact of unexpected events or emergencies;
b) to cushion against the impact of uneven cash flows and to avoid temporary
borrowing; and
c) as a means of building up funds to meet known or predicted liabilities
(earmarked reserves).
36
3.17
Reviewing the reserves is well established within the financial planning and budget
setting process and is informed by the framework as set out in Appendix B to this
report. An updated reserve statement is included at Appendix C to this report.
3.18
When assessing the level of reserves the Council should take account of strategic,
operational and financial risks facing them.
3.19
In particular, the risks associated with the Local Government funding mechanism in
for example the retention of business rates continues to be a risk for Local
Authorities. The system now means there will be fluctuations of income in year and
between years, an element of this risk is mitigated by the earmarked reserve which
was established for this purpose.
3.20
Other income streams from demand led services remain vulnerable both from
economic factors and seasonal factors including weather that can influence for
example car parking income. Steps have been taken to set prudent estimates of
income from these services as appropriate but the activity that drives the income
remains very difficult to predict.
3.21
The programme of savings identified as part of previous years financial planning and
budget processes are set to continue throughout 2016/17 along with a number of
new savings.
3.22
The revised assessment of the General Reserve for 2016/17 and forward years, in
total shows little change from the current policy. There have been some changes to
the actual amounts allowed for certain elements within the General Reserve, most
notably in relation to emergencies and other unknown events, but overall the
recommended balance remains at £1.75million, which represents 14.3% of the net
budgeted operating expenditure. The actual level of the General Reserve at the end
of the financial year 2016/17 is estimated to be just over £2 million.
3.23
Earmarked reserves are estimated to total £9.17million by the end of the 2016/17
financial year. The main components of this total are the Capital Projects, the New
Homes Bonus and the Restructuring/Invest to Save reserves. These reserves, along
with all the other earmarked reserves have been reviewed against the framework in
appendix B, as decisions are made on the utilisation of these reserve, the overall
reserves position and projections will be updated accordingly.
3.24
The Capital Projects Reserve provides the funds for major asset purchases or other
capital developments. It is supported by the VAT shelter receipts following the Large
Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) of the councils housing stock in 2006.
3.25
The New Homes Bonus Reserve is currently paid as an un-ringfenced grant from
Central Government predicated on the development of new dwellings within the
district and reductions in long term empty properties and is calculated by reference to
a prescribed formula. The balance in the earmarked reserve is earmarked for funding
projects that will deliver growth and also to mitigate future changes to the funding
received through the New Homes Bonus system.
3.26
The Restructuring/Invest to Save Reserve is held to provide one-off funding for
projects and schemes that will deliver longer-term savings and efficiencies to the
Council, for example the Business Transformation projects.
3.27
All of the earmarked reserves follow the protocol at paragraph 2.2 of the Policy
Framework at Appendix B to this report
37
Summary
3.28
In the opinion of the Chief Financial Officer the overall budgeted level of both the
General Reserve and the Earmarked Reserves shown in Appendix C are considered
adequate in the short term. The General Reserve balance (£2,060,065) is forecast to
be above that of the recommended balance (£1.75 million), all reserves will be
subject to further annual review in 2016/17.
3.29
When considering the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves a
holistic approach is taken, which considers the general reserve, earmarked reserves
and also the identified risks in relation to the revenue and capital budgets presented
for approval.
4
COUNCIL TAX SETTING FOR 2016/17
4.1
The following pages represent the information required for Members to set the
Council Tax for the year commencing 1 April 2016.
4.2
Norfolk County Council is scheduled to meet on the 22 February 2016 to set its
Council Tax, and the recommendation is to increase the Council Tax by 3.99%
including 2% for Adult Social Care. The Norfolk Police and Crime Panel are
scheduled to meet on the 16 February 2016 to agree the Norfolk Police and Crime
Commissioner’s proposals for the Council Tax. The figures used in this report are
based on the assumption that there will be no increase for North Norfolk District
Council (excluding town and parish council precepts), 3.99% for Norfolk County
Council, and a 1.99% increase for the Norfolk Police & Crime Commissioner.
4.3
The Localism Act 2011 makes provision for council tax referendums to be held if an
authority increases its relevant basic amount of council tax in excess of principles
determined by the Secretary of State. These excessiveness principles are set each
year and the Secretary of State has decided that for 2016/17 an increase above the
amount for 2015/16 will be excessive, and a referendum must be held, in the
following circumstances; for Norfolk County Council if the increase is 4% or more; for
the Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner if the increase is 2% or more and for
North Norfolk District Council if the increase is 2% or more than 2% and more than
£5.
The excessiveness principles apply in 2016/17 to billing authorities and major
precepting authorities, but not to local precepting authorities (town and parish
councils).
That it be NOTED that at its meeting on 16 December 2015, Full Council calculated
the following Council Tax bases for the year 2016/17 in accordance with regulations
made under Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended: -
4.4
4.5
a) for the whole Council area as 37,940 (Item T in the formula in Section 31B of the
Local Government Finance Act 1992) being calculated by the Council, in
accordance with Regulation 3 of The Local Authorities (Calculation of Council
Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, as its Council Tax base for the year;
b)
PART OF THE
COUNCIL
PART OF THE
COUNCIL
COUNCIL'S AREA
TAX BASE
COUNCIL’S AREA
TAX BASE
Alby with Thwaite
96.34 Little Barningham
39.29
Aldborough
219.27 Little Snoring
211.06
Antingham
117.02 Ludham
467.73
Ashmanhaugh
63.09 Matlaske
62.37
38
PART OF THE
COUNCIL'S AREA
Aylmerton
Baconsthorpe
Bacton
Barsham
Barton Turf
Beckham East/West
Beeston Regis
Binham
Blakeney
Bodham
Briningham
Brinton
Briston
Brumstead
Catfield
Cley
Colby
Corpusty and Saxthorpe
Cromer
Dilham
Dunton
East Ruston
Edgefield
Erpingham
Fakenham
Felbrigg
Felmingham
Field Dalling
Fulmodestone
Gimingham
Great Snoring
Gresham
Gunthorpe
Hanworth
Happisburgh
Helhoughton
Hempstead
Hempton
Hickling
High Kelling
Hindolveston
Hindringham
Holkham
Holt
Honing
Horning
Horsey
Hoveton
Ingham
Ingworth
COUNCIL
PART OF THE
TAX BASE
COUNCIL’S AREA
200.14 Melton Constable
84.46 Morston
472.49 Mundesley
97.96 Neatishead
239.48 North Walsham
108.29 Northrepps
376.10 Overstrand
166.20 Paston
524.51 Plumstead
155.82 Potter Heigham
62.16 Pudding Norton
120.31 Raynham
818.81 Roughton
25.29 Runton
302.97 Ryburgh
307.86 Salthouse
181.56 Scottow
262.61 Sculthorpe
2,799.07 Sea Palling
132.46 Sheringham
53.41 Sidestrand
181.82 Skeyton
176.14 Sloley
228.78 Smallburgh
2,378.35 Southrepps
66.62 Stalham
189.27 Stibbard
134.26 Stiffkey
177.67 Stody
147.24 Suffield
76.83 Sustead
165.40 Sutton
141.08 Swafield
91.38 Swanton Abbott
294.95 Swanton Novers
126.36 Tattersett
71.20 Thornage
177.55 Thorpe Market
390.58 Thurning
266.90 Thursford
196.77 Trimingham
227.68 Trunch
84.22 Tunstead
1,525.91 Upper Sheringham
116.87 Walcott
589.42 Walsingham
29.82 Warham
813.88 Wells-next-the-Sea
141.64 Westwick
41.25 Weybourne
39
COUNCIL
TAX BASE
182.46
50.09
1,063.50
234.22
3,727.61
352.84
423.13
81.40
47.32
395.69
72.35
124.13
317.04
691.30
217.66
111.15
273.90
265.97
205.50
2,998.38
43.41
85.86
89.09
181.21
318.66
1,025.25
130.48
127.45
85.09
51.90
88.76
377.97
110.11
140.77
75.70
269.86
92.46
111.69
31.64
104.46
132.66
329.46
245.36
94.57
205.27
340.91
75.61
1,069.17
29.30
315.46
PART OF THE
COUNCIL'S AREA
Itteringham
Kelling
Kettlestone
Knapton
Langham
Lessingham
Letheringsett with
Glandford
COUNCIL
PART OF THE
TAX BASE
COUNCIL’S AREA
58.01 Wickmere
87.56 Wighton
92.07 Witton
142.98 Wiveton
203.39 Wood Norton
214.91 Worstead
COUNCIL
TAX BASE
56.40
105.34
123.51
84.17
99.80
310.36
128.30
being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 6 of The
Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, as
the amounts of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its
area to which special items (parish precepts) may relate.
4.6
That the following amounts be now CALCULATED by the Council for the year
2016/17 in accordance with Sections 31A to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act
1992 and the relevant regulations and directions as follows:a)
£57,078,189
b)
£49,921,654
c)
£7,156,535
d)
£188.6277
e)
£1,887,805.86
f)
£138.8700
being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council
estimates for the expenditure items set out in Section
31A(2) of the Act.
being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council
estimates for the income items set out in Section 31A(3) of
the Act.
being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above
exceeds the aggregate at (b) above, calculated by the
Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as
its Council Tax requirement for the year.
being the amount at (c) above divided by the amount at
4.5(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with
Section 31B(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its
Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts).
being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish
precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act.
being the amount at (d) above less the result given by
dividing the amount at (e) above by the amount at 4.5 (a)
above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with
Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council
Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to
which no special item (Parish precept) relates.
g)
PART OF THE COUNCIL'S
AREA
Alby with Thwaite
Aldborough and Thurgarton
Antingham
Ashmanhaugh
Aylmerton
Baconsthorpe
Bacton
BASIC
PART OF THE COUNCIL’S
AMOUNT
AREA
£
163.7817 Little Barningham
173.0744 Little Snoring
156.8925 Ludham
194.3463 Matlaske
174.1602 Melton Constable
156.6298 Morston
169.7150 Mundesley
40
BASIC
AMOUNT
£
160.5040
177.7215
155.4094
151.6966
202.3578
158.8340
188.7054
PART OF THE COUNCIL'S
AREA
Barsham
Barton Turf
Beckham East/West
Beeston Regis
Binham
Blakeney
Bodham
Brinton
Briston
Catfield
Cley
Colby
Corpusty and Saxthorpe
Cromer
Dilham
East Ruston
Edgefield
Erpingham
Fakenham
Felbrigg
Felmingham
Field Dalling
Fulmodeston
Gimingham
Great Snoring
Gresham
Gunthorpe
Hanworth
Happisburgh
Helhoughton
Hempstead
Hempton
Hickling
High Kelling
Hindolveston
Hindringham
Holkham
Holt
Honing
Horning
Horsey
Hoveton
Ingham
Ingworth
Itteringham
Kelling
Kettlestone
Knapton
Langham
BASIC
PART OF THE COUNCIL’S
AMOUNT
AREA
£
158.2656 Neatishead
159.7485 North Walsham
164.7264 Northrepps
170.8641 Overstrand
165.9458 Paston
207.5054 Plumstead
187.0024 Potter Heigham
159.6496 Pudding Norton
181.0214 Raynham
174.9692 Roughton
164.8558 Runton (East & West)
221.2284 Ryburgh
197.3597 Salthouse
214.8223 Scottow
168.9319 Sculthorpe
163.6197 Sea Palling
144.5473 Sheringham
171.7880 Sidestrand
205.7613 Skeyton
182.4004 Sloley
146.7951 Smallburgh
161.2147 Southrepps
169.3872 Stalham
176.3122 Stibbard
181.8219 Stiffkey
173.3319 Stody
156.5904 Suffield
159.8373 Sustead
151.5840 Sutton
171.6493 Swafield
165.5553 Swanton Abbott
159.5394 Swanton Novers
160.7169 Tattersett
148.2368 Thornage
174.9527 Thorpe Market
170.4933 Thursford
168.5541 Trimingham
192.3462 Trunch
155.9830 Tunstead
165.7879 Upper Sheringham
172.3039 Walcott
190.8432 Walsingham
147.5469 Warham
196.8093 Wells-next-the-Sea
180.2421 Weybourne
174.5369 Wickmere
176.8845 Wighton
166.5801 Witton
170.5480 Wiveton
41
BASIC
AMOUNT
£
170.8911
205.4233
176.5641
200.2530
192.7152
180.0787
168.6812
194.1568
180.7615
162.0058
154.7820
177.9217
179.3558
189.9835
163.6848
191.5123
232.9184
168.8170
151.1574
165.3600
169.0890
178.6427
197.3923
180.2786
175.9825
167.9215
163.8025
159.4873
176.9259
180.2740
175.0993
218.1302
150.7057
155.4176
181.1477
167.5891
197.7046
190.4695
164.7136
195.6004
171.6609
197.5365
204.9988
197.5940
186.4196
200.9267
174.4690
148.4805
186.3928
BASIC
PART OF THE COUNCIL’S
AMOUNT
AREA
£
153.7087 Wood Norton
154.4584 Worstead
PART OF THE COUNCIL'S
AREA
Lessingham
Letheringsett with Glandford
BASIC
AMOUNT
£
165.9241
164.8623
being the amounts given by adding to the amount at 4.6(f) above to the amounts of the
special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned
above divided in each case by the amount at 4.5(b) above, calculated by the Council, in
accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the
year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.
h)
PART OF THE
COUNCIL’S AREA
VALUATION BANDS
A
£
Alby with Thwaite
Aldborough and
Thurgarton
Antingham
Ashmanhaugh
Aylmerton
Baconsthorpe
Bacton
Barsham
Barton Turf
Beckham East/West
Beeston Regis
Binham
Blakeney
Bodham
Brinton
Briston
Catfield
Cley
Colby
Corpusty and
Saxthorpe
Cromer
Dilham
East Ruston
Edgefield
Erpingham
Fakenham
Felbrigg
Felmingham
Field Dalling
Fulmodeston
Gimingham
Great Snoring
B
£
C
£
D
£
E
£
F
£
G
£
H
£
109.18 127.38 145.58 163.78 200.17 236.57 272.96 327.56
115.38
104.59
129.56
116.10
104.41
113.14
105.51
106.49
109.81
113.90
110.63
138.33
124.66
106.43
120.68
116.64
109.90
147.48
134.61
122.02
151.15
135.45
121.82
132.00
123.09
124.24
128.12
132.89
129.06
161.39
145.44
124.17
140.79
136.08
128.22
172.06
153.84
139.46
172.75
154.80
139.22
150.85
140.68
141.99
146.42
151.87
147.50
184.44
166.22
141.91
160.90
155.52
146.53
196.64
173.07
156.89
194.34
174.16
156.62
169.71
158.26
159.74
164.72
170.86
165.94
207.50
187.00
159.64
181.02
174.96
164.85
221.22
211.53
191.75
237.53
212.86
191.43
207.42
193.43
195.24
201.33
208.83
202.82
253.61
228.55
195.12
221.24
213.85
201.49
270.39
249.99
226.62
280.72
251.56
226.24
245.14
228.60
230.74
237.93
246.80
239.69
299.73
270.11
230.60
261.47
252.73
238.12
319.55
288.45
261.48
323.91
290.26
261.04
282.85
263.77
266.24
274.54
284.77
276.57
345.84
311.67
266.08
301.70
291.61
274.75
368.71
346.14
313.78
388.69
348.32
313.25
339.43
316.53
319.49
329.45
341.72
331.89
415.01
374.00
319.29
362.04
349.93
329.71
442.45
131.57
143.21
112.62
109.07
96.36
114.52
137.17
121.60
97.86
107.47
112.92
117.54
121.21
153.50
167.08
131.39
127.25
112.42
133.61
160.03
141.86
114.17
125.38
131.74
137.13
141.41
175.43
190.95
150.16
145.43
128.48
152.70
182.89
162.13
130.48
143.30
150.56
156.72
161.61
197.35
214.82
168.93
163.61
144.54
171.78
205.76
182.40
146.79
161.21
169.38
176.31
181.82
241.21
262.56
206.47
199.97
176.66
209.96
251.48
222.93
179.41
197.04
207.02
215.49
222.22
285.07
310.29
244.01
236.33
208.79
248.13
297.21
263.46
212.03
232.86
244.67
254.67
262.63
328.93
358.03
281.55
272.69
240.91
286.31
342.93
304.00
244.65
268.69
282.31
293.85
303.03
394.71
429.64
337.86
327.23
289.09
343.57
411.52
364.80
293.59
322.42
338.77
352.62
363.64
42
PART OF THE
COUNCIL’S AREA
VALUATION BANDS
A
£
Gresham
Gunthorpe
Hanworth
Happisburgh
Helhoughton
Hempstead
Hempton
Hickling
High Kelling
Hindolveston
Hindringham
Holkham
Holt
Honing
Horning
Horsey
Hoveton
Ingham
Ingworth
Itteringham
Kelling
Kettlestone
Knapton
Langham
Lessingham
Letheringsett with
Glandford
Little Barningham
Little Snoring
Ludham
Matlaske
Melton Constable
Morston
Mundesley
Neatishead
North Walsham
Northrepps
Overstrand
Paston
Plumstead
Potter Heigham
Pudding Norton
Raynham
Roughton
Runton
Ryburgh
Salthouse
B
£
C
£
D
£
E
£
F
£
G
£
H
£
115.55
104.39
106.55
101.05
114.43
110.37
106.35
107.14
98.82
116.63
113.66
112.36
128.23
103.98
110.52
114.86
127.22
98.36
131.20
120.16
116.35
117.92
111.05
113.69
102.47
134.81
121.79
124.31
117.89
133.50
128.76
124.08
125.00
115.29
136.07
132.60
131.09
149.60
121.32
128.94
134.01
148.43
114.75
153.07
140.18
135.75
137.57
129.56
132.64
119.55
154.07
139.19
142.07
134.74
152.57
147.16
141.81
142.85
131.76
155.51
151.54
149.82
170.97
138.65
147.36
153.15
169.63
131.15
174.94
160.21
155.14
157.23
148.07
151.59
136.62
173.33
156.59
159.83
151.58
171.64
165.55
159.53
160.71
148.23
174.95
170.49
168.55
192.34
155.98
165.78
172.30
190.84
147.54
196.80
180.24
174.53
176.88
166.58
170.54
153.70
211.85
191.38
195.35
185.26
209.79
202.34
194.99
196.43
181.17
213.83
208.38
206.01
235.08
190.64
202.62
210.59
233.25
180.33
240.54
220.29
213.32
216.19
203.59
208.44
187.86
250.36
226.18
230.87
218.95
247.93
239.13
230.44
232.14
214.11
252.70
246.26
243.46
277.83
225.30
239.47
248.88
275.66
213.12
284.28
260.34
252.10
255.49
240.61
246.34
222.02
288.88
260.98
266.39
252.64
286.08
275.92
265.89
267.86
247.06
291.58
284.15
280.92
320.57
259.97
276.31
287.17
318.07
245.91
328.01
300.40
290.89
294.80
277.63
284.24
256.18
346.66
313.18
319.67
303.16
343.29
331.11
319.07
321.43
296.47
349.90
340.98
337.10
384.69
311.96
331.57
344.60
381.68
295.09
393.61
360.48
349.07
353.76
333.16
341.09
307.41
102.97
107.00
118.48
103.60
101.13
134.90
105.88
125.80
113.92
136.94
117.70
133.50
128.47
120.05
112.45
129.43
120.50
108.00
103.18
118.61
119.57
120.13
124.83
138.22
120.87
117.98
157.38
123.53
146.77
132.91
159.77
137.32
155.75
149.88
140.06
131.19
151.01
140.59
126.00
120.38
138.38
139.49
137.29
142.67
157.97
138.14
134.84
179.87
141.18
167.73
151.90
182.59
156.94
178.00
171.30
160.06
149.93
172.58
160.67
144.00
137.58
158.15
159.42
154.45
160.50
177.72
155.40
151.69
202.35
158.83
188.70
170.89
205.42
176.56
200.25
192.71
180.07
168.68
194.15
180.76
162.00
154.78
177.92
179.35
188.78
196.17
217.21
189.94
185.40
247.32
194.13
230.63
208.86
251.07
215.80
244.75
235.54
220.09
206.16
237.30
220.93
198.00
189.17
217.45
219.21
223.10
231.83
256.70
224.48
219.11
292.29
229.42
272.57
246.84
296.72
255.03
289.25
278.36
260.11
243.65
280.44
261.09
234.00
223.57
256.99
259.06
257.43
267.50
296.20
259.01
252.82
337.26
264.72
314.50
284.81
342.37
294.27
333.75
321.19
300.13
281.13
323.59
301.26
270.00
257.97
296.53
298.92
308.91
321.00
355.44
310.81
303.39
404.71
317.66
377.41
341.78
410.84
353.12
400.50
385.43
360.15
337.36
388.31
361.52
324.01
309.56
355.84
358.71
43
PART OF THE
COUNCIL’S AREA
VALUATION BANDS
A
£
Scottow
Sculthorpe
Sea Palling
Sheringham
Sidestrand
Skeyton
Sloley
Smallburgh
Southrepps
Stalham
Stibbard
Stiffkey
Stody
Suffield
Sustead
Sutton
Swafield
Swanton Abbott
Swanton Novers
Tattersett
Thornage
Thorpe Market
Thursford
Trimingham
Trunch
Tunstead
Upper Sheringham
Walcott
Walsingham
Warham
Wells-next-the-Sea
Weybourne
Wickmere
Wighton
Witton
Wiveton
Wood Norton
Worstead
All Other Parts of the
Council’s Area
126.65
109.12
127.67
155.27
112.54
100.77
110.24
112.72
119.09
131.59
120.18
117.32
111.94
109.20
106.32
117.95
120.18
116.73
145.42
100.47
103.61
120.76
111.72
131.80
126.97
109.80
130.40
114.44
131.69
136.66
131.72
124.27
133.95
116.31
98.98
124.26
110.61
109.90
B
£
147.76
127.31
148.95
181.15
131.30
117.56
128.61
131.51
138.94
153.52
140.21
136.87
130.60
127.40
124.04
137.60
140.21
136.18
169.65
117.21
120.88
140.89
130.34
153.77
148.14
128.11
152.13
133.51
153.63
159.44
153.68
144.99
156.27
135.69
115.48
144.97
129.05
128.22
C
£
168.87
145.49
170.23
207.03
150.05
134.36
146.98
150.30
158.79
175.45
160.24
156.42
149.26
145.60
141.76
157.26
160.24
155.64
193.89
133.96
138.14
161.02
148.96
175.73
169.30
146.41
173.86
152.58
175.58
182.22
175.63
165.70
178.60
155.08
131.98
165.68
147.48
146.54
D
£
189.98
163.68
191.51
232.91
168.81
151.15
165.36
169.08
178.64
197.39
180.27
175.98
167.92
163.80
159.48
176.92
180.27
175.09
218.13
150.70
155.41
181.14
167.58
197.70
190.46
164.71
195.60
171.66
197.53
204.99
197.59
186.41
200.92
174.46
148.48
186.39
165.92
164.86
E
£
232.20
200.05
234.07
284.67
206.33
184.74
202.10
206.66
218.34
241.25
220.34
215.08
205.23
200.20
194.92
216.24
220.33
214.01
266.60
184.19
189.95
221.40
204.83
241.63
232.79
201.31
239.06
209.80
241.43
250.55
241.50
227.84
245.57
213.23
181.47
227.81
202.79
201.49
F
£
274.42
236.43
276.62
336.43
243.84
218.33
238.85
244.23
258.03
285.12
260.40
254.19
242.55
236.60
230.37
255.55
260.39
252.92
315.07
217.68
224.49
261.65
242.07
285.57
275.12
237.91
282.53
247.95
285.33
296.10
285.41
269.27
290.22
252.01
214.47
269.23
239.66
238.13
G
£
316.63
272.80
319.18
388.19
281.36
251.92
275.60
281.81
297.73
328.98
300.46
293.30
279.86
273.00
265.81
294.87
300.45
291.83
363.55
251.17
259.02
301.91
279.31
329.50
317.44
274.52
326.00
286.10
329.22
341.66
329.32
310.69
334.87
290.78
247.46
310.65
276.54
274.77
H
£
379.96
327.36
383.02
465.83
337.63
302.31
330.72
338.17
357.28
394.78
360.55
351.96
335.84
327.60
318.97
353.85
360.54
350.19
436.26
301.41
310.83
362.29
335.17
395.40
380.93
329.42
391.20
343.32
395.07
409.99
395.18
372.83
401.85
348.93
296.96
372.78
331.84
329.72
92.58 108.01 123.44 138.87 169.73 200.59 231.45 277.74
being the amounts given by multiplying (as appropriate) the amounts at 4.6(f) or 4.6(g)
above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable
to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that
proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation Band D, calculated by the Council, in
44
accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the
year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands.
4.7
That it be NOTED that for the year 2016/17 the Norfolk County Council and the
Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Norfolk have stated the following
amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the
Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown
below:-
VALUATION BANDS
Norfolk County
Council
Norfolk Police
and Crime
Commissioner
4.8
A
£
B
£
C
£
D
£
E
£
F
£
G
£
H
£
793.86
926.17
1,058.48
1,190.79
1,455.41
1,720.03
1,984.65
2,381.58
141.96
165.62
189.28
212.94
260.26
307.58
354.90
425.88
That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 4.6(h) and 4.7
above, the Council, in accordance with Section 30 and 36 of the Local Government
Finance Act 1992, HEREBY SETS the following amounts as the amounts of Council
Tax for the year 2016/17 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:-
PART OF THE
COUNCIL’S
AREA
VALUATION BANDS
A
£
Alby with Thwaite
Aldborough and
Thurgarton
Antingham
Ashmanhaugh
Aylmerton
Baconsthorpe
Bacton
Barsham
Barton Turf
Beckham
East/West
Beeston Regis
Binham
Blakeney
Bodham
Brinton
Briston
Catfield
Cley
B
£
C
£
D
£
E
£
F
£
G
£
H
£
1,045.00 1,219.17 1,393.34 1,567.51 1,915.84 2,264.18 2,612.51 3,135.02
1,051.20
1,040.41
1,065.38
1,051.92
1,040.23
1,048.96
1,041.33
1,042.31
1,226.40
1,213.81
1,242.94
1,227.24
1,213.61
1,223.79
1,214.88
1,216.03
1,401.60
1,387.22
1,420.51
1,402.56
1,386.98
1,398.61
1,388.44
1,389.75
1,576.80
1,560.62
1,598.07
1,577.89
1,560.35
1,573.44
1,561.99
1,563.47
1,927.20
1,907.42
1,953.20
1,928.53
1,907.10
1,923.09
1,909.10
1,910.91
2,277.60
2,254.23
2,308.33
2,279.17
2,253.85
2,272.75
2,256.21
2,258.35
2,628.00
2,601.03
2,663.46
2,629.81
2,600.59
2,622.40
2,603.32
2,605.79
3,153.60
3,121.24
3,196.15
3,155.78
3,120.71
3,146.89
3,123.99
3,126.95
1,045.63
1,049.72
1,046.45
1,074.15
1,060.48
1,042.25
1,056.50
1,052.46
1,045.72
1,219.91
1,224.68
1,220.85
1,253.18
1,237.23
1,215.96
1,232.58
1,227.87
1,220.01
1,394.18
1,399.63
1,395.26
1,432.20
1,413.98
1,389.67
1,408.66
1,403.28
1,394.29
1,568.45
1,574.59
1,569.67
1,611.23
1,590.73
1,563.37
1,584.75
1,578.69
1,568.58
1,917.00
1,924.50
1,918.49
1,969.28
1,944.22
1,910.79
1,936.91
1,929.52
1,917.16
2,265.54
2,274.41
2,267.30
2,327.34
2,297.72
2,258.21
2,289.08
2,280.34
2,265.73
2,614.09
2,624.32
2,616.12
2,685.39
2,651.22
2,605.63
2,641.25
2,631.16
2,614.30
3,136.91
3,149.18
3,139.35
3,222.47
3,181.46
3,126.75
3,169.50
3,157.39
3,137.17
45
PART OF THE
COUNCIL’S
AREA
VALUATION BANDS
A
£
B
£
C
£
D
£
E
£
F
£
G
£
H
£
Colby
Corpusty and
Saxthorpe
Cromer
Dilham
East Ruston
Edgefield
Erpingham
Fakenham
Felbrigg
Felmingham
Field Dalling
Fulmodeston
Gimingham
Great Snoring
Gresham
Gunthorpe
Hanworth
Happisburgh
Helhoughton
Hempstead
Hempton
Hickling
High Kelling
Hindolveston
Hindringham
Holkham
Holt
1,083.30 1,263.85 1,444.40 1,624.95 1,986.06 2,347.16 2,708.26 3,249.91
1,067.39
1,079.03
1,048.44
1,044.89
1,032.18
1,050.34
1,072.99
1,057.42
1,033.68
1,043.29
1,048.74
1,053.36
1,057.03
1,051.37
1,040.21
1,042.37
1,036.87
1,050.25
1,046.19
1,042.17
1,042.96
1,034.64
1,052.45
1,049.48
1,048.18
1,064.05
1,245.29
1,258.87
1,223.18
1,219.04
1,204.21
1,225.40
1,251.82
1,233.65
1,205.96
1,217.17
1,223.53
1,228.92
1,233.20
1,226.60
1,213.58
1,216.10
1,209.68
1,225.29
1,220.55
1,215.87
1,216.79
1,207.08
1,227.86
1,224.39
1,222.88
1,241.39
1,423.19
1,438.71
1,397.92
1,393.19
1,376.24
1,400.46
1,430.65
1,409.89
1,378.24
1,391.06
1,398.32
1,404.48
1,409.37
1,401.83
1,386.95
1,389.83
1,382.50
1,400.33
1,394.92
1,389.57
1,390.61
1,379.52
1,403.27
1,399.30
1,397.58
1,418.73
1,601.08
1,618.55
1,572.66
1,567.34
1,548.27
1,575.51
1,609.49
1,586.13
1,550.52
1,564.94
1,573.11
1,580.04
1,585.55
1,577.06
1,560.32
1,563.56
1,555.31
1,575.37
1,569.28
1,563.26
1,564.44
1,551.96
1,578.68
1,574.22
1,572.28
1,596.07
1,956.88
1,978.23
1,922.14
1,915.64
1,892.33
1,925.63
1,967.15
1,938.60
1,895.08
1,912.71
1,922.69
1,931.16
1,937.89
1,927.52
1,907.05
1,911.02
1,900.93
1,925.46
1,918.01
1,910.66
1,912.10
1,896.84
1,929.50
1,924.05
1,921.68
1,950.75
2,312.68
2,337.90
2,271.62
2,263.94
2,236.40
2,275.74
2,324.82
2,291.07
2,239.64
2,260.47
2,272.28
2,282.28
2,290.24
2,277.97
2,253.79
2,258.48
2,246.56
2,275.54
2,266.74
2,258.05
2,259.75
2,241.72
2,280.31
2,273.87
2,271.07
2,305.44
2,668.48
2,697.58
2,621.10
2,612.24
2,580.46
2,625.86
2,682.48
2,643.55
2,584.20
2,608.24
2,621.86
2,633.40
2,642.58
2,628.43
2,600.53
2,605.94
2,592.19
2,625.63
2,615.47
2,605.44
2,607.41
2,586.61
2,631.13
2,623.70
2,620.47
2,660.12
3,202.17
3,237.10
3,145.32
3,134.69
3,096.55
3,151.03
3,218.98
3,172.26
3,101.05
3,129.88
3,146.23
3,160.08
3,171.10
3,154.12
3,120.64
3,127.13
3,110.62
3,150.75
3,138.57
3,126.53
3,128.89
3,103.93
3,157.36
3,148.44
3,144.56
3,192.15
Honing
Horning
Horsey
Hoveton
Ingham
Ingworth
Itteringham
Kelling
Kettlestone
Knapton
Langham
Lessingham
Letheringsett with
Glandford
Little Barningham
Little Snoring
Ludham
Matlaske
1,039.80
1,046.34
1,050.68
1,063.04
1,034.18
1,067.02
1,055.98
1,052.17
1,053.74
1,046.87
1,049.51
1,038.29
1,213.11
1,220.73
1,225.80
1,240.22
1,206.54
1,244.86
1,231.97
1,227.54
1,229.36
1,221.35
1,224.43
1,211.34
1,386.41
1,395.12
1,400.91
1,417.39
1,378.91
1,422.70
1,407.97
1,402.90
1,404.99
1,395.83
1,399.35
1,384.38
1,559.71
1,569.51
1,576.03
1,594.57
1,551.27
1,600.53
1,583.97
1,578.26
1,580.61
1,570.31
1,574.27
1,557.43
1,906.31
1,918.29
1,926.26
1,948.92
1,896.00
1,956.21
1,935.96
1,928.99
1,931.86
1,919.26
1,924.11
1,903.53
2,252.91
2,267.08
2,276.49
2,303.27
2,240.73
2,311.89
2,287.95
2,279.71
2,283.10
2,268.22
2,273.95
2,249.63
2,599.52
2,615.86
2,626.72
2,657.62
2,585.46
2,667.56
2,639.95
2,630.44
2,634.35
2,617.18
2,623.79
2,595.73
3,119.42
3,139.03
3,152.06
3,189.14
3,102.55
3,201.07
3,167.94
3,156.53
3,161.22
3,140.62
3,148.55
3,114.87
1,038.79
1,042.82
1,054.30
1,039.42
1,036.95
1,211.92
1,216.62
1,230.01
1,212.66
1,209.77
1,385.05
1,390.43
1,405.73
1,385.90
1,382.60
1,558.18
1,564.23
1,581.45
1,559.13
1,555.42
1,904.45
1,911.84
1,932.88
1,905.61
1,901.07
2,250.71
2,259.44
2,284.31
2,252.09
2,246.72
2,596.98
2,607.05
2,635.75
2,598.56
2,592.37
3,116.37
3,128.46
3,162.90
3,118.27
3,110.85
46
PART OF THE
COUNCIL’S
AREA
Melton Constable
Morston
Mundesley
Neatishead
North Walsham
Northrepps
Overstrand
Paston
Plumstead
Potter Heigham
Pudding Norton
Raynham
Roughton
Runton
Ryburgh
Salthouse
Scottow
Sculthorpe
Sea Palling
Sheringham
Sidestrand
Skeyton
Sloley
Smallburgh
Southrepps
Stalham
Stibbard
Stiffkey
Stody
Suffield
Sustead
Sutton
Swafield
Swanton Abbott
Swanton Novers
Tattersett
Thornage
Thorpe Market
Thursford
Trimingham
Trunch
Tunstead
Upper
Sheringham
Walcott
Walsingham
VALUATION BANDS
A
£
B
£
C
£
D
£
E
£
F
£
G
£
H
£
1,070.72
1,041.70
1,061.62
1,049.74
1,072.76
1,053.52
1,069.32
1,064.29
1,055.87
1,048.27
1,065.25
1,056.32
1,043.82
1,039.00
1,054.43
1,055.39
1,062.47
1,044.94
1,063.49
1,091.09
1,048.36
1,036.59
1,046.06
1,048.54
1,054.91
1,067.41
1,056.00
1,053.14
1,047.76
1,045.02
1,042.14
1,053.77
1,056.00
1,052.55
1,081.24
1,036.29
1,039.43
1,056.58
1,047.54
1,067.62
1,062.79
1,045.62
1,249.17
1,215.32
1,238.56
1,224.70
1,251.56
1,229.11
1,247.54
1,241.67
1,231.85
1,222.98
1,242.80
1,232.38
1,217.79
1,212.17
1,230.17
1,231.28
1,239.55
1,219.10
1,240.74
1,272.94
1,223.09
1,209.35
1,220.40
1,223.30
1,230.73
1,245.31
1,232.00
1,228.66
1,222.39
1,219.19
1,215.83
1,229.39
1,232.00
1,227.97
1,261.44
1,209.00
1,212.67
1,232.68
1,222.13
1,245.56
1,239.93
1,219.90
1,427.63
1,388.94
1,415.49
1,399.66
1,430.35
1,404.70
1,425.76
1,419.06
1,407.82
1,397.69
1,420.34
1,408.43
1,391.76
1,385.34
1,405.91
1,407.18
1,416.63
1,393.25
1,417.99
1,454.79
1,397.81
1,382.12
1,394.74
1,398.06
1,406.55
1,423.21
1,408.00
1,404.18
1,397.02
1,393.36
1,389.52
1,405.02
1,408.00
1,403.40
1,441.65
1,381.72
1,385.90
1,408.78
1,396.72
1,423.49
1,417.06
1,394.17
1,606.08
1,562.56
1,592.43
1,574.62
1,609.15
1,580.29
1,603.98
1,596.44
1,583.80
1,572.41
1,597.88
1,584.49
1,565.73
1,558.51
1,581.65
1,583.08
1,593.71
1,567.41
1,595.24
1,636.64
1,572.54
1,554.88
1,569.09
1,572.81
1,582.37
1,601.12
1,584.00
1,579.71
1,571.65
1,567.53
1,563.21
1,580.65
1,584.00
1,578.82
1,621.86
1,554.43
1,559.14
1,584.87
1,571.31
1,601.43
1,594.19
1,568.44
1,962.99
1,909.80
1,946.30
1,924.53
1,966.74
1,931.47
1,960.42
1,951.21
1,935.76
1,921.83
1,952.97
1,936.60
1,913.67
1,904.84
1,933.12
1,934.88
1,947.87
1,915.72
1,949.74
2,000.34
1,922.00
1,900.41
1,917.77
1,922.33
1,934.01
1,956.92
1,936.01
1,930.75
1,920.90
1,915.87
1,910.59
1,931.91
1,936.00
1,929.68
1,982.27
1,899.86
1,905.62
1,937.07
1,920.50
1,957.30
1,948.46
1,916.98
2,319.90
2,257.03
2,300.18
2,274.45
2,324.33
2,282.64
2,316.86
2,305.97
2,287.72
2,271.26
2,308.05
2,288.70
2,261.61
2,251.18
2,284.60
2,286.67
2,302.03
2,264.04
2,304.23
2,364.04
2,271.45
2,245.94
2,266.46
2,271.84
2,285.64
2,312.73
2,288.01
2,281.80
2,270.16
2,264.21
2,257.98
2,283.16
2,288.00
2,280.53
2,342.68
2,245.29
2,252.10
2,289.26
2,269.68
2,313.18
2,302.73
2,265.52
2,676.81
2,604.27
2,654.05
2,624.36
2,681.92
2,633.82
2,673.30
2,660.74
2,639.68
2,620.68
2,663.14
2,640.81
2,609.55
2,597.52
2,636.08
2,638.47
2,656.18
2,612.35
2,658.73
2,727.74
2,620.91
2,591.47
2,615.15
2,621.36
2,637.28
2,668.53
2,640.01
2,632.85
2,619.41
2,612.55
2,605.36
2,634.42
2,640.00
2,631.38
2,703.10
2,590.72
2,598.57
2,641.46
2,618.86
2,669.05
2,656.99
2,614.07
3,212.17
3,125.12
3,184.87
3,149.24
3,218.30
3,160.58
3,207.96
3,192.89
3,167.61
3,144.82
3,195.77
3,168.98
3,131.47
3,117.02
3,163.30
3,166.17
3,187.42
3,134.82
3,190.48
3,273.29
3,145.09
3,109.77
3,138.18
3,145.63
3,164.74
3,202.24
3,168.01
3,159.42
3,143.30
3,135.06
3,126.43
3,161.31
3,168.00
3,157.65
3,243.72
3,108.87
3,118.29
3,169.75
3,142.63
3,202.86
3,188.39
3,136.88
1,066.22 1,243.92 1,421.62 1,599.33 1,954.73 2,310.14 2,665.55 3,198.66
1,050.26 1,225.30 1,400.34 1,575.39 1,925.47 2,275.56 2,625.65 3,150.78
1,067.51 1,245.42 1,423.34 1,601.26 1,957.10 2,312.94 2,668.77 3,202.53
47
PART OF THE
COUNCIL’S
AREA
VALUATION BANDS
A
£
Warham
Wells-next-theSea
Weybourne
Wickmere
Wighton
Witton
Wiveton
Wood Norton
Worstead
B
£
C
£
D
£
E
£
F
£
G
£
H
£
1,072.48 1,251.23 1,429.98 1,608.72 1,966.22 2,323.71 2,681.21 3,217.45
1,067.54
1,060.09
1,069.77
1,052.13
1,034.80
1,060.08
1,046.43
1,045.72
1,245.47
1,236.78
1,248.06
1,227.48
1,207.27
1,236.76
1,220.84
1,220.01
1,423.39
1,413.46
1,426.36
1,402.84
1,379.74
1,413.44
1,395.24
1,394.30
1,601.32
1,590.14
1,604.65
1,578.19
1,552.21
1,590.12
1,569.65
1,568.59
1,957.17
1,943.51
1,961.24
1,928.90
1,897.14
1,943.48
1,918.46
1,917.16
2,313.02
2,296.88
2,317.83
2,279.62
2,242.08
2,296.84
2,267.27
2,265.74
2,668.87
2,650.24
2,674.42
2,630.33
2,587.01
2,650.20
2,616.09
2,614.32
3,202.64
3,180.29
3,209.31
3,156.39
3,104.42
3,180.24
3,139.30
3,137.18
All Other Parts of
the Council's Area 1,028.40 1,199.80 1,371.20 1,542.60 1,885.40 2,228.20 2,571.00 3,085.20
4.9
Excessiveness Determination
4.9.1
The Council’s basic amount of council tax as calculated in paragraph 4.6 (f) above is
the same as that calculated for 2015/16, and therefore within the 2.0% and £5
increase limit at which a referendum would be required.
4.9.2
The Council has determined that its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for
2016/17 is not excessive in accordance with principles approved under Section 52ZB
Local Government Finance Act 1992. As the billing authority, the Council has not
been notified by a major precepting authority that its relevant basic amount of Council
Tax for 2016/17 is excessive and that the billing authority is not required to hold a
referendum in accordance with Section 52ZK of the Local Government Finance Act
1992.
5
Financial Implications and Risks
5.1
The Council is required to set the Council Tax each year in accordance with the
legislation set out above in this report. If this is not done, there is a risk that the
council will be unable to bill in a timely manner with a consequential loss of revenue,
and this may prevent the prudent management of the Council’s financial affairs. No
council tax freeze grant is available for 2016/17. The Council will be required to hold
a referendum if it decides to increase its council tax by more than 2.0% and £5 above
the 2015/16 amount
5.2
The overall budget for 2016/17 is balanced and delivers a surplus of £1,260,206
which has been transferred to the Business Rates Reserve and the
Restructuring/Invest to Save Reserve. Section 3 of the report presents the Chief
Financial Officers statement on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of
reserves. This statement is informed by a number of risks that are facing the
authority, in particular those detailed at 3.8. It is recommended that the level of the
General Reserve is maintained at £1.75 million.
6
Sustainability – None as a direct consequence of this report.
48
7
Equality and Diversity
7.1
The Council is legally required to consider the equality duty in its decision-making
and this includes the budget process. As part of any savings or investments the
Council must consider how it can:



Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
Advance equality of opportunity between different groups; and
Foster good relations between different groups by tackling prejudice and
promoting understanding.
7.2
As part of the 2016/17 budget process savings proposals were put forward by Heads
of Services for consideration. A cumulative assessment has been undertaken in
relation to the equality forms and the savings proposals and no negative impact has
been highlighted as a result of this exercise.
7.3
It is not considered that the budget presented for 2016/17 will have any significant
impact on equality and diversity issues.
8
Section 17 Crime and Disorder considerations – None as a direct consequence of
the report.
49
Appendix A
General Fund Summary 2016/17 Base Budget
Service Area
Assets & Leisure
Corporate Leadership
Team/Corporate
Customer Services & ICT
Community & Economic
Development
Environmental Health
Finance
Organisational Development
Planning
Net Cost of Services
2015/16
Updated
2015/16
2016/17
Base Budget Base Budget Base Budget
£
£
£
2,252,321
2,229,553
2,111,294
2017/18
Projection
£
1,988,198
2018/19
Projection
£
1,941,356
2019/20
Projection
£
1,971,502
35,000
0
0
0
0
0
624,761
612,761
626,523
576,930
584,549
589,423
5,823,045
5,676,831
2,176,096
3,483,257
2,854,327
2,883,158
3,877,714
3,298,602
1,050,957
1,486,866
3,867,714
3,044,050
948,221
1,446,866
3,717,711
2,993,245
962,010
1,664,563
3,836,074
2,972,469
945,140
1,814,129
3,942,071
3,063,995
954,330
1,686,241
3,998,087
3,168,707
966,588
1,747,747
18,449,266
17,825,996
14,251,442
15,616,197
15,026,869
15,325,212
Parish Precepts (Estimate from
16/17 onwards)
Capital Charges
Refcus
Interest Receivable
Revenue Financing for Capital:
Minimum Revenue Provision
IAS 19 Pension Adjustment
1,760,520
1,760,520
1,887,806
2,019,952
2,161,349
2,312,644
(2,096,742)
(3,533,954)
(426,390)
1,123,952
56,000
289,815
(2,096,742)
(3,533,954)
(426,390)
90,800
56,000
289,815
(2,209,805)
(134,139)
(602,000)
1,161,554
81,000
263,692
(2,695,688)
(1,069,890)
(579,400)
0
150,000
263,692
(2,597,795)
0
(571,900)
0
150,000
263,692
(2,588,665)
0
(576,900)
0
150,000
263,692
Net Operating Expenditure
15,622,467
13,966,045
14,699,550
13,704,863
14,432,215
14,885,983
(712,190)
(16,751)
(184,882)
(10,000)
0
(187,855)
(194,662)
2,000
(25,000)
(90,000)
(91,516)
(5,000)
(88,150)
(16,920)
0
(51,728)
284,800
(76,963)
(94,340)
(60,367)
74,126
0
0
(10,000)
0
(187,855)
0
0
0
(60,000)
(36,516)
0
(25,998)
0
0
0
329,432
0
(89,340)
114,759
3,246
0
0
0
(1,000,000)
0
0
0
0
30,000
0
0
(25,939)
0
(33,347)
0
281,512
0
(127,186)
(178,897)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
(66,694)
0
(84,891)
(33,000)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
(82,944)
0
(8,835)
(12,000)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
331,710
260,000
0
0
0
0
Amount to be met from
Government Grant and Local
Taxpayers
14,334,653
14,334,653
13,648,939
13,550,278
14,358,436
14,915,983
Collection Fund – Parishes
Collection Fund – District
Retained Business Rates
Revenue Support Grant
Council Tax Freeze (2015/16)
New Homes bonus
Rural Services Delivery Grant
(1,760,520)
(5,307,073)
(3,121,466)
(2,403,933)
(57,912)
(1,683,749)
0
(1,760,520)
(5,307,073)
(3,121,466)
(2,403,933)
(57,912)
(1,683,749)
0
(1,887,806)
(5,473,605)
(3,406,572)
(1,575,147)
0
(2,085,230)
(480,785)
(2,019,952)
(5,367,748)
(3,441,000)
(936,035)
0
(1,806,452)
(388,212)
(2,161,349)
(5,390,589)
(3,475,000)
(535,619)
0
(1,322,000)
(298,624)
(2,312,644)
(5,413,130)
(3,510,000)
(88,359)
0
(1,268,103)
(388,212)
(14,334,653)
(14,334,653)
(14,909,145)
(13,959,399)
(13,183,181)
(12,980,448)
0
0
(1,260,206)
(409,121)
1,175,255
1,935,535
Contributions to/(from)
Earmarked Reserves:
Capital Projects Reserve
Asset Management
Benefits
Big Society Fund
Broadband
Business Rates Reserve
Coast Protection
Common Training
Economic Development & Tourism
Elections
Enforcement Board
Environmental Health
Grants
Housing
Legal
Local Strategic Partnership
New Homes Bonus Reserve
Organisational Development
Planning Revenue
Restructuring/Invest to save
Contribution to/(from) the General
Reserve
Income from Government Grant
and Taxpayers
(Surplus)/Deficit
50
Appendix B
Policy Framework for the Earmarked Reserves and Assessing the Optimum Level of
the General Reserve for the period 2016/17 to 2019/20
1
Background
1.1
In accordance with statute (principally the Local Government Finance Act 2002) and
following the Guidance Note on Local Authority Reserves and Balances (LAAP
Bulletin No. 77 – November 2008), North Norfolk District Council maintains a range of
reserves.
1.2
Two types of reserves are discussed in this policy framework:

Earmarked Reserves

The General Reserve
1.3
There are also a number of other reserves which local authorities hold in relation to
legislation and proper accounting practices, these are not resource-backed reserves
and therefore are not considered as part of this policy framework.
1.4
In making decisions in relation to setting the Council Tax, section 25 of the Local
Government Act 2003 requires the Chief Financial Officer of the Council to report to
the Council on the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves.
1.5
This Policy framework has been informed by both the LAAP Bulletin No. 77 and the
Audit Commissions report published in December 2012 ‘Striking a Balance’ Improving
Councils’ Decision Making on Reserves’.
2
Earmarked Reserves
2.1
Purpose
2.1.1
Earmarked reserves are a means of building up funds to meet known or predicted
liabilities.
2.1.2
Typically earmarked reserves are used to set aside sums for major schemes, such as
capital developments or asset purchases, or to fund reorganisations and
restructurings. Reserves can also be held for trading and business units built up from
surpluses to cover potential losses in future years, or to finance capital expenditure.
In certain circumstances, if expenditure is delayed on specific budgets, it may be
agreed that the underspending at a year end is carried forward for future use in an
earmarked reserve.
2.2
Earmarked Reserves Protocol
2.2.1
For each reserve the following arrangements have been established:

the reasons for / purpose of the reserve

how and when the reserve can be used

procedures for the reserve’s management and control

a process and timetable for review of the reserve to ensure continuing relevance
and adequacy.
2.2.2
In North Norfolk, the establishment and use of earmarked reserves is reviewed at the
time of budget setting and then controlled through the year as part of the regular
budget monitoring processes.
2.3
Review of Earmarked Reserves
2.3.1
The Reserves Statement in Appendix C gives full details of the earmarked reserves.
Each earmarked reserve has been assessed by the Chief Financial Officer whose
Reserves Policy Framework, February 2016
51
Appendix B
judgement is that they are properly established in accordance with the protocol and
that their level and proposed use is appropriate.
2.3.2
It is considered that sufficient provision for the Council’s capital programme (as
recommended) has been included in the capital estimates and capital reserves, and
that nothing further is required.
2.3.3
Where in-year expenditure is being funded by earmarked reserves, the relevant
transfers from the reserves have been allowed for within the reserves statements at
Appendix C.
3
The General Reserve
3.1
Purpose
3.1.1
The general reserve is held for two main purposes:

a working balance to help cushion the impact of uneven cashflows and avoid
temporary borrowing;

a contingency to help cushion the impact of unexpected events or emergencies.
3.2
The Optimum Level of the General Reserve
3.2.1
There are two recommended approaches for deciding the optimum level of the
general reserve:

A risk assessment of the budget which takes full account of the context within
which the budget has been prepared. The budget report itself provides this
contextual information.

To set the reserve at a percentage of expenditure. Too low a level puts the
council at unacceptable risk of failing to meet its obligations, too high a level
unnecessarily ties up resources.
3.2.2
This appendix sets out the framework for considering a risk assessment approach
and validating the result against a percentage calculation. At the end of the day, the
level of reserves is a matter of opinion informed by the judgement of the Council’s
Chief Financial Officer.
3.3
Assessment Framework
3.3.1
The issues to be considered include the following:

The Council continues to operate on an ongoing basis.

The robustness of the budget process including recognition of the linkages with
the corporate plan, the strategic risk register and the financial plan update.

The adequacy of the earmarked reserves and the movements on the general
reserves both in the past and planned.

The extent to which savings and planned service reductions are required and can
be relied upon to support corporate plan targets.

The risk of major litigation and legal claims, both currently and in the future.

The impact of future Government funding reductions.

Implications of changes to Local Council Tax Support Schemes and increase in
the demand for support.

Fluctuations in retained business rate income and funding from the government
for the extensions to reliefs for example retail relief and small business rates.
Reserves Policy Framework, February 2016
52
Appendix B

Fluctuations around certain income streams and grants, for example demand led
services such as planning, building control income, land charges and car parking
and fluctuations in investment income.

Future changes to the funding for Local Authorities, for example the New Homes
Bonus.

Unplanned volume increases in major demand led budgets, particularly in the
context of the current economic climate for example housing benefits, council tax
support and homelessness.

The need to retain a general contingency to provide for any unforeseen
circumstances that may arise including inadequately funded Government
initiatives.

The move in local authorities to do less by direct service provision (either through
the Localism Agenda or through third parties, including outsourcing) is increasing
the risks borne by authorities. There is a risk that these arrangements fail and
there are many circumstances when a statutory liability remains with the local
authority. Such risks may not be insurable at an economic level and demand
rigorous risk minimisation strategies and this is an area that will be considered in
more detail if the Council pursues these arrangements in future years.

The need to retain reserves for general day to day cash flow requirements.
3.3.2
All these issues interlink and any one incident is likely to span across many of the
issues. Risks change over time and the general reserve needs to be considered
across the medium term financial plan. What might be an adequate level of reserves
now could be inadequate in years two to four.
3.4
The Assessment of the General Fund Reserve
3.4.1
When undertaking the assessment it must be remembered that the items considered
are merely guides to assessing the overall level of the reserve. In no way is it a
budget for any of the items being created since by its nature a general reserve is
designed to protect against the unexpected and unquantifiable for whatever reason.
3.4.2
Having considered the relevant risks and the mitigation measures already in place, it
is felt that the following indicative items should be taken into account in the budget
risk assessment for 2014/15:
Item
2016/17
1 Pay and Price Inflation
(0.5% above budget assumption)
2 Interest Rates
(0.25% below budget prediction on non-fixed
investments)
3 Failure to Achieve Planned Savings and
Cost Pressures from Corporate Plan
Targets
(to ensure core services are maintained)
4 Major Litigation and Legal Claims
(to provide additional comfort above
earmarked reserves)
5 Emergencies and Other Unknowns
(to recognise the risks associated with
unpredictable events)
6 Treatment of Demand Led Pressures
(recognising the impact of increase or
reduction in demand and compensating
Reserves Policy Framework, February 2016
53
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
58,000
58,000
58,000
58,000
66,000
147,000
166,000
168,000
90,000
90,000
90,000
90,000
600,000
600,000
600,000
600,000
165,000
165,000
165,000
165,000
Appendix B
Item
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
increase or reduction in expenditure or income)
7 Cash Flow
(to mitigate the impact of timing of cash flow
including the profiling of expenditure)
8 Future Funding Fluctuations (an allowance
to reflect the increased risk around local
funding, i.e. business rates and new homes
bonus to mitigate the impact within and
between financial years)
Total Indicated General Fund Reserve
Recommended
% of Net Budgeted Operating Expenditure
(excluding parish precepts)
Budgeted General Fund Reserve (at yearend, after taking account of planned use)
% of Net Budgeted Operating Expenditure
(excluding parish precepts)
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
720,000
720,000
720,000
720,000
1,794,000
1,875,000
1,894,000
1,896,000
14.0%
16.0%
15.4%
15.1%
2,620,734
2,620,734
2,620,734
2,620,734
20.5%
22.4%
21.4%
20.8%
4
Chief Financial Officer’s Opinion
4.1
The Earmarked Reserves detailed in Appendix C are proper and appropriate with
regard to purpose, level and proposed use.
4.2
Based on the assessment detailed above the recommended level of the general
reserve for 2016/17 should be £1.794million, this is within an acceptable tolerance of
the current recommended general reserve of £1.75 million, and therefore it is
recommended that the minimum level of the general reserve remain at £1.75million
for 2016/17. The budgeted General Fund Reserve shown in Appendix C is
considered adequate for the period 2016/17 to 2019/20; however the level of the
general reserve should be reviewed during the year as part of the financial planning
process taking into account where applicable items identified within the assessment
framework at 3.3.
Reserves Policy Framework, February 2016
54
Appendix C
Reserves Statement 2016/17 Onwards
Reserve
Purpose and Use of Reserve
Balance at
01/04/15
£
General Fund General Reserve
A working balance and contingency, current recommended
balance is £1.75 million.
2015/16
Updated
Movement
£
2016/17
Budgeted
Movement
£
Balance
01/04/16
£
Budgeted
Movement
2017/18
£
Balance
01/04/17
£
Budgeted
Movement
2018/19
£
Balance
01/04/18
£
Budgeted
Movement
2019/20
£
Balance
01/04/19
£
Balance
01/04/20
£
2,289,024
331,710
2,620,734
0
2,620,734
0
2,620,734
0
2,620,734
0
2,620,734
Earmarked Reserves:
Capital Projects
To provide funding for capital developments and purchase of
major assets. This includes the VAT Shelter Receipt.
2,676,360
(712,190)
1,964,170
3,246
1,967,416
0
1,967,416
0
1,967,416
0
1,967,416
Asset Management
To support improvements to our existing assets as identified
through the Asset Management Plan.
59,899
(16,751)
43,148
0
43,148
0
43,148
0
43,148
0
43,148
Benefits
To be used to mitigate any claw back by the Department of Works
and Pensions following final subsidy determination. Timing of the
use will depend on audited subsidy claims.
721,792
(184,882)
536,910
0
536,910
0
536,910
0
536,910
0
536,910
Big Society Fund
(BSF)
To support projects that communities identify where they will make
a difference to the economic and social wellbeing of the area.
Funded by a proportion of NCC element of second homes council
tax. Earmarked pending second homes money no longer being
received.
786,588
(10,000)
776,588
0
776,588
0
776,588
0
776,588
0
776,588
Broadband
Earmarks £1million for superfast broad band in North Norfolk.
(600k was transferred from the BSF reserve and £400k from NHB
reserve)
1,000,000
0
1,000,000
(1,000,000)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Building Control
Building Control surplus ringfenced to cover any future deficits in
the service.
120,235
0
120,235
0
120,235
0
120,235
0
120,235
0
120,235
Business Rates
To be used for the support of local businesses and to mitigate
impact of final claims and appeals in relation to business rates
retention scheme.
1,579,136
(187,855)
1,391,281
0
1,391,281
0
1,391,281
0
1,391,281
0
1,391,281
Coast Protection
To support the ongoing coast protection maintenance programme
ands carry forward funding between financial years.
237,295
(194,662)
42,633
0
42,633
0
42,633
0
42,633
0
42,633
Common Training
To deliver the corporate training programme. Training and
development programmes are sometimes not completed in the
year but are committed and therefore funding is carried forward in
an earmarked reserve.
27,450
2,000
29,450
0
29,450
0
29,450
0
29,450
0
29,450
Economic
Development and
Regeneration
Earmarked from previous underspends within Economic
Development and Regeneration Budgets along with funding
earmarked for Learning for Everyone.
117,783
(25,000)
92,783
0
92,783
0
92,783
0
92,783
0
92,783
Election Reserve
Established to meet costs associated with district council
elections, to smooth the impact between financial years.
90,000
(90,000)
0
30,000
30,000
30,000
60,000
30,000
90,000
30,000
120,000
Enforcement Works
Established to meet costs associated with district council
enforcement works including buildings at risk .
146,857
(91,516)
55,341
0
55,341
0
55,341
0
55,341
0
55,341
55
Appendix C
Reserves Statement 2016/17 Onwards
Reserve
Purpose and Use of Reserve
Balance at
01/04/15
£
Earmarking of previous underspends and additional income to
Environmental Health
meet Environmental Health initiatives.
2015/16
Updated
Movement
£
2016/17
Budgeted
Movement
£
Balance
01/04/16
£
Budgeted
Movement
2017/18
£
Balance
01/04/17
£
Budgeted
Movement
2018/19
£
Balance
01/04/18
£
Budgeted
Movement
2019/20
£
Balance
01/04/19
£
Balance
01/04/20
£
41,287
(5,000)
36,287
0
36,287
0
36,287
0
36,287
0
36,287
Revenue Grants received and due to timing issues not used in the
year.
327,741
(88,150)
239,591
(25,939)
213,652
0
213,652
0
213,652
0
213,652
Housing
Previously earmarked for stock condition survey and housing
needs assessment.
101,920
(16,920)
85,000
0
85,000
0
85,000
0
85,000
0
85,000
Treasury (Property)
Reserve
Property Investment (Treasury), to smooth the impact on the
revenue account of interest fluctuations.
66,068
0
66,068
0
66,068
0
66,068
0
66,068
0
66,068
Land Charges
To mitigate the impact of potential income reductions.
89,155
0
89,155
0
89,155
0
89,155
0
89,155
0
89,155
Legal
One off funding for Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) work and
East Law Surplus.
73,595
0
73,595
(33,347)
40,248
0
40,248
0
40,248
0
40,248
Local Strategic
Partnership
Earmarked underspends on the LSP for outstanding commitments
and liabilities.
51,728
(51,728)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LSVT Reserve
To meet the cost of successful warranty claims not covered by
bonds and insurance following the housing stock transfer.
435,000
0
435,000
0
435,000
0
435,000
0
435,000
0
435,000
New Homes Bonus
(NHB)
Established for supporting communities with future growth and
development and Plan review*
1,116,194
284,800
1,400,994
281,512
1,682,506
(66,694)
1,615,812
(82,944)
1,532,868
0
1,532,868
Organisational
Development
To provide funding for organisation development to create
capacity within the organisation and address anomalies within the
pay structure.
116,391
(76,963)
39,428
0
39,428
0
39,428
0
39,428
0
39,428
Pathfinder
To help Coastal Communities adapt to coastal changes.
206,378
0
206,378
0
206,378
0
206,378
0
206,378
0
206,378
Planning
Additional Planning income earmarked for Planning initiatives
including Plan Review.
375,183
(94,340)
280,843
(127,186)
153,657
(84,891)
68,766
(8,835)
59,931
0
59,931
Regeneration
Projects
Carry forward of underspends relating to Regeneration Projects.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Restructuring &
Invest to Save
Proposals
To fund one-off redundancy and pension strain costs and invest to
save initiatives. Transfers from this reserve will be allocated
against business cases as they are approved. Timing of the use
of this reserve will depend on when business cases are approved.
1,246,890
(60,367)
1,186,523
(178,897)
1,007,626
(33,000)
974,626
(12,000)
962,626
0
962,626
Sports Hall
Equipment & Sports
Facilities
To support renewals for sports hall equipment. Amount transferred
in the year represents over or under achievement of income
target.
26,316
0
26,316
0
26,316
0
26,316
0
26,316
0
26,316
14,126,265 (1,287,814)
12,838,451
(1,050,611)
11,787,840
(154,585)
11,633,255
(73,779)
11,559,476
30,000
11,589,476
Grants
Total Reserves
56
Agenda Item No___14_________
Pay Report covering the Pay Policy Statement 2016/17
Summary:
Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011 (“the Act”) requires
the Council to produce an annual pay policy statement
(“the statement”) for the start of each financial year. The
attached statement is drawn up in compliance with the
Act to cover the period 2016/17. It is a legal requirement
that Full Council formally signs off this statement and
the responsibility cannot be devolved to any other
person or committee.
Conclusions:
The attached statement sets out current remuneration
arrangements for officers.
Recommendations:
To adopt the attached Pay Policy Statement and to
publish the statement for 2016/17 on the Council’s
website.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Councillor Tom FitzPatrick All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
Julie Cooke, 01263 516040
1.
Introduction
1.1
Section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011 (“the Act”) requires English and
Welsh local authorities to produce a pay policy statement (“the statement”) for
each financial year. The first statement went to Full Council on 22 February
2012 to cover the period 2012/13.
2.
The Statement
2.1
The statement must set out:




A local authority’s policy on the level and elements of remuneration for
each chief officer
A local authority’s policy on the remuneration of its lowest-paid
employees (together with its definition of “lowest-paid employees” and
its reasons for adopting that definition)
A local authority’s policy on the relationship between the remuneration
of its chief officers and other officers
A local authority’s policy on other specific aspects of chief officers’
remuneration: remuneration on recruitment, increases and additions to
remuneration, use of performance related pay and bonuses,
termination payments, and transparency.
57
2.2
With regard to the process for approving the statement, it must:



2.3
Be approved formally by Full Council and cannot be delegated to any sub
committee. This includes any amendments in each financial year
Be approved by the end of March each year
Be published on the authority’s website and in any other manner that the
Council thinks appropriate as soon as it is reasonably practicable after it is
approved or amended
Be complied with when the authority sets the terms and conditions for a
Chief Officer
For the purpose of the statement the term ‘Chief Officer’ in a local authority
context is defined as set out in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989
as:




2.4
3
The Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive)
The Monitoring Officer
A statutory Chief Officer and non statutory Chief Officer (section 2 of
that Act)
A deputy Chief Officer (section 2 of that Act)
This definition of Chief Officer is wider than that contained within the
Constitution where the term ‘chief officer’ indicates the senior posts which sit
on Corporate Leadership Team i.e. the Chief Executive and Directors.
Living Wage Supplement
3.1
The Council has paid the Foundation Living Wage as a supplement to
affected posts since 1st January 2015 and the Joint Staff Consultative
Committee have recommended paying the updated rate for 2016 and
reviewing this payment on an annual basis.
4.
Conclusion
4.1
The statement meets the statutory requirements of the Localism Act and it is
therefore recommended that the statement be approved.
5
Financial Implications and Risks
5.1
There are no increased risks as a result of setting and publishing the Pay
Policy Statement. The report and the statement outline arrangements for
2016/17. This statement builds on the publication of senior officer salary
information
which
is
already
available
on
the
website
at
http://www.northnorfolk.org/council/8105.asp
6
Equality and Diversity
6.1
The Equality act 2010 places requirements upon all public sector bodies to
ensure that its policies and procedures promote equality, this document
supports that requirement.
58
PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2016/17
1.
Context
1.1
This policy statement has been produced in accordance with Sections 38 to
43 of the Localism Act 2011 (“the Act”), which, from 2012 onwards, requires
all local authorities to publish an annual statement of their policy for the
relevant financial year in relation to:






The remuneration of their most senior employees (which the Act
defines as the Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive),
the Monitoring Officer,
the Chief Officers (or Directors), and
the Deputy Chief Officers (i.e. managers who report directly to a Chief
Officer));
The remuneration of their lowest-paid employees; and
The relationship between the remuneration of their most senior
employees and that of other employees.
1.2
The Secretary of State has produced guidance on the provisions in the Act
relating to transparency and accountability in local pay, which local authorities
must have regard to in preparing and approving their annual pay policy
statements. This Pay Policy Statement takes full account of this guidance as
well as the provisions of the Act.
1.3
The policy statement also refers to information which the Council already
publishes under other legislation:



Information on the level of remuneration paid to senior managers, as
required by the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2011
(Statutory Instrument 2011/817).
Policy on the exercise of its discretions over payments upon
termination of employment under the Local Government Pension
Scheme, as required by Regulation 66 of the Local Government
Pension Scheme (Administration) Regulations 2008
Policy on the exercise of its discretions over payments upon
termination of employment under the Local Government (Early
Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation) (England
and Wales) Regulations 2006, as required by Regulation 7 of those
regulations.
1.4
This Pay Policy Statement must be reviewed on an annual basis and a new
version of the policy will be submitted to Full Council for approval by 31 March
immediately preceding the financial year to which it relates.
1.5
The pay policy statement can also be amended during the course of the
financial year, but only by a resolution of the Full Council. If it is amended
during the year to which it relates, the revised version of the statement must
be published as soon as possible after the amendment is approved by Full
Council.
1.6
This policy statement was considered by Full Council on 23 February 2016. It
is available on the Council’s website. The Council’s website also includes
59
separately published data on salary information relating to Senior Officers and
this can be viewed at http://www.northnorfolk.org/council/8104.asp
1.7
For the purpose of the pay policy statement the term ‘Chief Officer’ in a local
authority context is defined as set out in the Local Government and Housing
Act 1989:
a)
b)
c)
d)
The Head of Paid Service (i.e. the Chief Executive) as designated
under section 4 of that Act;
The Monitoring Officer designated under section 5(1) of that Act;
A statutory Chief Officer and non statutory Chief Officer under section
2 of that Act;
A deputy Chief Officer mentioned in section 2 of that Act.
2.
Remunerating Chief Officers/Deputy Chief Officers
2.1
The remuneration for Chief Officers/Deputy Chief Officers within the Council
can be found at Appendices A, B, C, E and F.
2.2
The Monitoring Officer (MO) service is brought in on a contract basis so the
Council does not directly remunerate the MO who is currently an employee of
Norfolk County Council.
3.
Remunerating the Lowest Paid in the Workforce
3.1
The Council applies terms and conditions of employment that have been
negotiated and agreed through appropriate collective bargaining mechanisms
(national or local) or as a consequence of Council decisions, these are then
incorporated into contracts of employment. The lowest pay point in use by the
Council for employees on the council’s pay scale is spinal column point (SCP)
8. This relates to an annual salary of £13,871 (full time equivalent (FTE) and
can be expressed as an hourly rate of pay of £7.1897 as at 01 January 2016.
Employees on this pay point are defined as our lowest paid employees. This
pay point and salary has been determined by the National Joint Council
(NJC). See Appendix D for pay scales for staff on grades 5-13. Full Council
agreed to pay a Living Wage supplement for SCP’s 8 – 12 for 2016
(excluding apprentices). Continuation of this supplement will be reviewed and
determined annually.
3.2
The Council employs a number of apprentices and the salary for these staff
complies with the National Minimum Wage.
4.
The Relationship between Chief Officer Remuneration and that of other
employees
4.1
The highest paid salary point in the Council is that of the Chief Executive at
£101,766 as at 1 January 2016. The Chief Executive also currently receives a
supplement for carrying out the Interim Chief Executive role for Great
Yarmouth Borough Council and this is shown in Appendix A. The median for
Chief Officers is £52,806 and for non-Chief Officers is £19,742. This gives a
ratio of 1:2.675. The Council does not have a policy on maintaining, reaching
or applying a specific pay multiple. However the Council is conscious that
remuneration at all levels needs to be adequate to secure and retain highquality employees but not be seen as excessive.
60
5.
Other Aspects of Chief Officer Remuneration
5.1
Other aspects of Chief Officer remuneration are appropriate to be covered by
this policy statement, these other aspects are defined as remuneration on
recruitment, pay increases, additions to pay, performance related pay, earn
back, enhancements of pension entitlements and termination payments.
These elements are shown in Appendix A and B.
6.
Pay Awards
6.1
Pay awards are determined nationally in accordance with the Joint
Negotiating Committee (JNC) for Chief Executives, the Joint Negotiating
Committee (JNC) for Chief/Deputy Chief Officers and the National Joint
Committee (NJC) for staff paid under the national spinal column points
covered by internal grades 5-12.
7.
Tax Avoidance
7.1
The Council is committed to tackling all forms of tax avoidance and therefore
encourages the direct employment of staff and pays them via the payroll
system. In a few circumstances where it is more appropriate to engage
people on a self-employed basis, the Council will utilise the procurement
policy and follows guidelines to ensure that the correct employment status is
identified before being engaged. When a need arises for an ‘interim’
appointment, the Council may consider the use of an agency.
8.
Re-engagement of ex North Norfolk District Council staff within the
scope of this policy
8.1
All permanent / fixed term posts are advertised in accordance with the
council’s recruitment practices and procedures and appointment is made on
merit. Interim management appointments are made in accordance with the
council’s procurement policy.
9.
Review
9.1
The Localism Act 2011 requires relevant authorities to prepare a Pay Policy
Statement for each subsequent financial year. The next statement will be
submitted to Full Council for approval by 31 March 2017.
9.2
As necessary, the Council may by resolution amend the pay policy statement
at times other than that of the prescribed annual statement.
61
Post
Salary grade
Chief
Executive
1
Expenses / car
allowances
Travel and other
expenses are
reimbursed
through normal
Council
procedures.
Bonuses / PRP /
Earn Back
The current terms
and conditions of
employment does
not provide for
any of the above
elements
Honoraria / Acting
Up
Honoraria and
acting up payments
do not apply
Market/Salary
Supplements
£3808 (Interim shared
services supplement) (April
to June 2016)
Election Fees
As above
As above
A salary/market
supplement has not been
applied to this post.
As above (where applicable)
As above
£4553 pa (s151
responsibilities)
£2190 (Interim shared
services supplement) (April
to June 2016)
£4553 pa (specialist
delegated responsibilities)
£673 per month (interim
shared services
supplement where
appropriate)
As above (where applicable)
As above
As above (where applicable)
As above
As above (where applicable)
As above
Corporate
Directors x 2
2
Car allowances
are paid in
accordance with
the rates set out in
Council’s Travel
Policy (see
Appendix D)
As above
Head of
Finance/s151
Officer
4
As above
As above
Head of
Planning
Head of
Service x 6
4
As above
As above
Could be applied
where appropriate
on authorisation of
Corporate
Leadership Team
As above
4
As above
As above
As above
Returning Officer fees for national
elections are set by Central
Government. Local election fees
are paid in accordance with a
scale of fees which is based on
national election rates and agreed
locally. Election fees are paid
separately.
Severance
Arrangements
The Council’s
normal policies
regarding
redundancy and
early/flexible
retirement apply
to the postholder
Appendix A
62
Appendix B
Aspect of Chief
Officer Remuneration
Recruitment and
Retention
Council Policy
All posts in the Council are evaluated using the Council’s job evaluation scheme. Each
grade comprises a range of pay points. Employees will receive an annual increment (and in
some cases, 6 months after starting work with the Council), subject to the top of their grade
not being exceeded.
The post will be advertised and appointed to at the appropriate approved salary for the post
in question and individuals will be placed on the appropriate SCP within the pay grade for
the post that they are appointed to. The rules regarding appointment to a Chief Officer role
are set out in the Constitution (Chapter 10).
Where the Council is unable to recruit to a post at its designated grade, it will consider the
use of temporary market supplements or ‘Golden Hello’s’. Golden hello’s are re-payable in
whole or in part in certain circumstances should the officer leave before an agreed period
has been served.
In areas of skills shortages (locally or nationally) the Council will consider the use of
retention payments.
Access to appropriate elements of the Council’s relocation Scheme may also be granted in
certain circumstances, when new starters move to the area.
All staff are covered by the Council’s appraisal scheme.
Pay Increases
Additions to Pay
Professional
Subscriptions
Employee Assistance
Programme (EAP)
Contract for Services
Redundancy and
payments on
termination
Pension contribution
rates
The above applies to all employees.
The Council will apply any pay increases that are agreed by the relevant national
negotiating bodies. The Council will also apply any pay increases that are as a result of
Council decisions to significantly increase the duties and responsibilities of the post in
question beyond the normal flexing of duties and responsibilities that are expected in senior
posts.
This applies to all employees.
The Council would not make additional payments beyond those specified in the terms and
conditions of employment and this policy statement.
This applies to all employees.
These are payable where they are required for the post and should be limited to one
subscription per Officer.
This applies to all employees.
Access to the EAP scheme is available to all employees and Elected Members.
Where the Council remains unable to appoint chief officers on recruitment, or there is a
need to provide interim support to cover for a vacant substantive chief officer post, the
Council may, where necessary, consider engaging individuals under ‘contracts for service’.
These will be sourced through a relevant procurement process ensuring the Council is able
to demonstrate value for money from competition in securing the relevant service.
The Council has a single policy which applies to all employees (see Appendix F).
Where termination of employment is subject to a settlement agreement that agreement may
include a negotiated payment in exchange for which the employee undertakes not to pursue
claims against the Council. This is always subject to the completion of a business case and
appropriate authorisation as laid out in the above policy.
Staff who opt to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) pay current
contribution rates between 5.5% to 12.5%. The employer contribution rate is currently
14.5% and this is the same rate for all staff.
63
Salary grades for Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers (1 January 2015)
Appendix C
Grade 1 (Chief Executive)
Annual
SCP
Amount
300
301
99,634.00
101,766.00
Grade 2 (Directors)
Annual
SCP
Amount
310
311
312
313
314
67,846.00
69,554.00
74,777.00
76,696.00
78,853.00
Grade 3 (Not utilised)
Annual
SCP
Amount
320
321
322
323
324
55,135.00
56,833.00
58,415.00
64,125.00
65,570.00
Grade 4 (Heads of Service)
Annual
SCP
Salary
330
331
332
333
334
46,081.00
47,332.00
48,565.00
49,808.00
53,862.00
64
Appendix D
Pay scales for grades 12 - 5
(Effective from 25 February 2015)
Grade
SCP
8*
9*
10*
11*
12*
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Grade 12
Grade 11
Grade 10
Grade 9

Salary
13,871
14,075
14,338
15,207
15,523
15,941
16,231
16,572
16,969
17,372
17,714
18,376
19,048
19,742
20,253
20,849
21,530
22,212
22,937
Grade
Grade 7
Grade 6
Grade 5
SCP
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Salary
27,123
27,924
29,558
30,178
30,978
31,846
32,778
33,857
34,746
35,662
36,571
37,483
39,267
40,217
41,140
42,053
43,863
These posts are supplemented to the Foundation Living Wage rate for the period 2016.
65
Appendix E
TRAVEL POLICY
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this policy is to set out North Norfolk District Council’s policy on travel
arrangements that employees are eligible to claim in reimbursement for journeys made in
carrying out their duties.
GENERAL TRAVEL PRINCIPLES
Employees will be required to ensure that:-
the use of public transport is prioritised above a car where the journey time is
comparable to that of a car
-
the choice of travel mode should always be the most cost effective to the
Authority, taking into account both claim costs and staff time
-
they ensure that journeys are planned to do the least number of miles possible,
through good route planning and car sharing
-
a full record of their journey is kept including the reason for travelling and the
names of official passengers carried
-
they do not use their own vehicle on journeys where there is room in the car of
another officer making the same journey on the same business. In this situation,
an essential car user should drive in preference to a casual user, if possible
-
they have included and maintain in their policy of insurance a clause indemnifying
the Authority against all third party claims (including those concerning
passengers) arising out of the use of the vehicle on official business
-
all claims exclude home to work mileage (and vice versa) if the journey starts or
ends from the officers home i.e. they should only claim for excess business
mileage over and above their normal daily commute mileage
-
all claims must be made using the appropriate claim form (these can be obtained
from the intranet or HR)
-
VAT receipts are obtained and attached to the travel claim form to enable the
Authority to reclaim VAT
-
they are familiar with and comply with the Driver Policy and Handbook
CAR ALLOWANCES
North Norfolk District Council recognises that employees will be required to use their own
motor vehicle for the efficient performance of their duties and that it is appropriate to
reimburse for additional authorised expenditure.
All employees are designated as casual users unless their post attracts an essential car user
allowance or they are currently in receipt of either a lease car or cash equivalent payment.
66
ESSENTIAL USER ALLOWANCES
Essential users are those whose duties are of such a nature that it is essential for them to
have a motor car at their disposal whenever required. If the employee uses a private car in
carrying out those official duties then they shall be entitled to receive the lump sum
allowance and mileage rates set out in this policy.
To determine eligibility to an essential car user allowance, the Essential Car User
Assessment Form (obtained from HR) must be completed by either the line manager (for
vacant posts) or the postholder. The assessment form will be scored by HR and eligibility will
be confirmed or declined based on that assessment. If the postholder is not satisfied with the
outcome, they can request an assessment by a Corporate Director in consultation with
UNISON. A record of the request and scoring will be kept on the post file and where
appropriate, the personnel file.
The essential car user allowance will be paid to all employees whose eligibility is confirmed
and they will receive a lump sum in accordance with their terms and conditions of
employment along with the approved mileage rate for claimed business miles undertaken.
Eligibility for essential car user status will be checked annually via completion of the car
allowance scheme assessment form and if the post does not meet the criteria for this
allowance, it will be removed immediately and the employee will be re-designated as a
casual user. The employee will be entitled to appeal this decision and eligibility will be
rechecked and the decision confirmed by a Corporate Director in consultation with UNISON.
CASUAL USER ALLOWANCES
Casual users are those for whom it is desirable that a car should be made available when
required and as such are eligible to receive the appropriate mileage rate set out in this
policy.
ALLOWANCES AND MILEAGE RATES
See Appendix A – please note these rates are reviewed and where appropriate, updated
and published annually.
CAR LOAN SCHEME
Employees may apply to the Authority for a loan to purchase a vehicle if it is deemed
necessary by a Corporate Director for them to use a vehicle for work purposes. Details of the
scheme can be obtained from the Payroll Officer.
67
OTHER MILEAGE RATES
Lease car scheme
Training1
Motorcycle
Cycle
Car sharing-
-
15.47 pence per mile
15.47 pence per mile
24 pence per mile
20 pence per mile
5 pence per mile (not per person(s) carried)
MILEAGE CLAIMS
All claims must be submitted on the appropriate claim form and passed to Payroll for
payment within 3 months of undertaking the journey/expenditure. All claim forms are to be
authorised by the appropriate authorised line manager according to the ‘authorised
signatories list’. See Appendix B for details of what can be included in a mileage claim.
Failure to submit a claim within 3 months of undertaking the journey would mean that,
except under exceptional circumstances, the claim would not be met.
OTHER ALLOWANCES
SUBSISTENCE2
Subsistence will be paid to employees who necessarily incur additional expense in the
course of their work. Reimbursement will be on the actual cost incurred up to the maximum
amount shown below. This is subject to producing a receipt which shows the actual cost of
the meal. Maximums are:Breakfast
Lunch
Tea
Evening meal
-
£6.88 (Where work/travel commences before 7.30 am)
£9.50 (When away for entire lunch period 12.00 – 14.00)
£3.76
£11.77 (When work/absence extends beyond 7.30 pm)
OVERNIGHT ALLOWANCES
Overnight
£3.63
Max per week
£14.55
Any exceptions to the above (subsistence and overnight allowances) would need to be
agreed in advance with a Corporate Director.
LINK TO OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES
1.
Driver Policy and Handbook – employees are required to comply with the
requirements of this policy.
2.
Environmental Policy – found within the Environmental Sustainability Strategy and
Implementation Plan.
3.
Green travel Plan.
MONITORING
This policy will be reviewed, updated and published on an annual basis by the Head of
Organisational Development in line with the national agreement or as required by the
Authority.
1
2
There is a specific claim form for qualification based training – speak to HR for details
Rates are updated annually and are correct with effect from April 2010
68
APPENDIX A
TRAVEL RATES3
Casual User Rate
Mileage:Per mile first 10,000
Per mile after 10,000
52.2p
14.4p
Essential User (based on NJC rates for 1000-1199cc band)
Lump sum
£963 per annum (paid pro-rata on a monthly basis)
Mileage:Per mile first 10,000
Per mile after 10,000
40.9p
14.4p
APPENDIX B
MILEAGE CLAIMS
Mileage claims can be made as follows:-
3
1.
Journeys from home to first visit:
a) If the mileage is less than that from home to work base then no claim is made
b) If the mileage is more than that from home to work base then excess mileage
can be claimed
2.
Journeys from last visit to home:
a) If the mileage is less than work base to home then no claim is made
b) If the mileage is more than that from work base to home then the excess
mileage can be claimed
3.
Extra journeys out of hours:
When work is undertaken that results in additional journeys out of normal hours
then the extra mileage may be claimed
Rates are updated annually and are correct with effect from April 2010
69
Appendix F
Pensions, Retirement and
Discretionary Compensation Payments
Policy Statements
-
Equalities Statement
North Norfolk District Council wishes to promote equality and has a number of obligations
under equality legislation. All employees are expected to adhere to this procedure in line with
these obligations. Reasonable adjustments or supportive measures should be considered to
ensure equality of access and opportunity regardless of age, gender, gender reassignment,
pregnancy, maternity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marriage, civil partnership,
disability, religion or belief.
General Introduction
Since 1997, Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) legislation has required all local
authority employers to publish a written Policy Statement on how it will exercise the various
discretions provided by the scheme; to keep it under review; and to revise it as necessary.
This policy statement is outlined below:
In developing these Policy Statements it is important to clarify that:
a. The Policy Statements confer no contractural rights in relation to the Local
Government Pension Scheme and discretionary compensation payments.
b. The Policy Statements may be changed by the Council at any time.
c. These policies should not restrict the Council’s discretion. There may be
circumstances where the Council may decide to make an exception to any of these
particular policies. Any exceptions to a policy contained within these Policy
Statements will only be made following consultation with the Council’s Monitoring
Officer.
It should be noted that any future changes to this policy statement will only become effective
one month after the revised policy statement is published.
The policies incorporated within this Policy Statement include:
1)
2)
3)
4)
General policy - retirement
Policy relating to flexible retirement
Statements relating to the exercise of discretionary powers under the LGPS
Discretionary compensation payments policy
It is important in considering this document to note the following: All decisions relating to the operation of the policies outlined in this document are delegated
to the Corporate Leadership Team, Leader and Cabinet Member for Human Resources
following consultation with the Council’s s151 Officer, Monitoring Officer and the Head of
Organisational Development.
1)
General Policy - retirement
70
The Council’s policy relating to employee retirement is:
a. Employees who wish to retire from their employment are required to give notice of
their intended date of retirement to their manager in writing. The length of notice
required must be at least the same as the notice required to resign from employment.
However, employees are encouraged to give an early indication of their planned
retirement date.
b. Retirement from employment does not establish entitlement to either occupational or
state pension benefits. Equally this policy does not change an employee’s
entitlements as a member of an occupational pension scheme. Employees who are
members of the LGPS are advised to seek advice about the impact of their planned
retirement date on their pension benefits. This is particularly important where the
employee is planning on retiring either earlier or later than their Normal Retirement
Age4.
c. Employees who are members of the LGPS can elect to retire and receive their
benefits between the ages of 55 to 75 (subject to the provisions of this policy).
2)
Policy Relating to Flexible Retirement
Flexible retirement occurs where an employee draws their pension and carries on working,
either at a lower grade and or on reduced hours. It is available to LGPS members who are
aged 55 or over, and who with the Council’s consent reduce their hours or grade. Subject to
necessary approvals, such employees will be able to draw their local government pension
whilst continuing to work. In addition they can remain in the LGPS until the day before their
th
75 birthday, building up further benefits in the scheme. In all cases, employees must
receive advice as to how flexible retirement will affect their net pay and pension entitlement.
This is important, as an employee’s pension will normally be actuarially reduced if paid
before their Normal Retirement Age.
4
Normal Retirement Age is the same as the employees State Pension Age – with 65 as the earliest age.
71
3)
Statement Relating to the Exercise of Discretionary Powers under the LGPS
Since 1997, the LGPS has required the Council to issue a written policy statement on how it
will exercise the various discretions provided by the scheme; to keep it under review; and to
revise it as necessary.
These discretions are outlined below and it is compulsory for the Council to make an
individual decision for each of the first five discretions (a – e) and outline these decisions in
the Council’s Policy Statement. It is also a legal requirement that the employer has regard to
the extent to which the policy on exercising these five discretions might lead to a serious loss
of confidence in public service. The remaining discretions are not compulsory but are
recommended by the Norfolk Pension Fund (F-M).
Compulsory Items as required under Regulation 60(1) of the LGPS (Administration)
Regulations 2013 and Regulation 66(1) of the LGPS (Administration) Regulations
2007.
a)
Funding of Additional Pension: Regulation 16(2e) 16(4d)
An employer may fund wholly, or in part, a members additional pension contract
(APC). The payment can be paid by regular contributions or a lump sum.
The Council will not exercise this discretion. However where an APC is used to cover a
period of unpaid leave North Norfolk District Council is required to automatically pay 2/3rds
of the cost with the member paying the rest providing the APC request is made within 30
days of the member returning from leave.
b)
Awarding Additional Pension: Regulation 31
An employer may increase a member’s benefits by awarding additional
pension up to a maximum of £6,500 pa from April 2014.
The Council will not exercise this discretion.
c)
Flexible Retirement: Regulation 30(6)
An employer may give consent for a member aged 55 or more who reduces their
grade or hours of work (or both) to receive all or part of their LGPS benefits
immediately, even though they haven’t left its employment. By taking their pension
benefits early an employee may incur a reduction in their benefits. In some cases
there will be no reduction for the employee and the cost of the early retirement will
therefore be borne by the Council.
The Council has decided that:
 Flexible retirement will be allowed only in circumstances where it is demonstrated to
be in the Council’s long term interests
 Each case will be considered on its merits. Before a decision is made, the Council
must be informed of the full economic cost of granting flexible retirement
(Note:- the above decisions are delegated to the Corporate Leadership Team, Leader and
Portfolio Member for Human Resources following consultation with the Council’s s151
Officer and the Head of Organisational Development.)
d)
Waiving of Actuarial Reduction: Regulation 30(8)
72
If the benefits payable on retirement before normal pension age would normally be
reduced for early payment, the employer may agree to waive all or part of the
reduction.
The Council has decided that: The waiving of actuarial reductions may be specifically applied to cases which are
being considered as an employer consent on compassionate grounds
 Each case will be considered on its merits. Before a decision is made, the Council
must be informed of the full economic cost of waiving all or part of the reduction
(Note:- the above decisions are delegated to the Corporate Leadership Team, Leader and
Portfolio Member for Human Resources following consultation with the Council’s s151
Officer and the Head of Organisational Development.)
e)
Early Payment of Pension: Regulation 30 of LGPS (Benefits, Membership and
Contributions) Regulations 2007 (2 parts to this)
(1) An employer may give consent for a member aged 55 or more who has left its
employment prior to April 2014 without an entitlement to immediate LGPS benefits to
receive them straight away regardless.
(2) If the benefits payable would normally be reduced for early payment, the employer
may agree to waive all or part of the reduction on compassionate grounds.
The Council has decided that: Each case will be considered on its merits. Before a decision is made, the Council
must be informed of the full economic cost of waiving all or part of the reduction
(Note:- the above decisions are delegated to the Corporate Leadership Team, Leader and
Portfolio Member for Human Resources following consultation with the Council’s s151
Officer and the Head of Organisational Development.)
Non-Compulsory Items in the 2013 Regulations
f)
Membership Aggregation: Regulation 22(7b)(8b)
A member who transfers from another LGPS employer, either directly or after a break,
must aggregate the two periods of membership provided they do so while still an
active member in the new post. The member has twelve months from the aggregation
to opt to keep their periods of membership separate.
The Council requires any request to aggregate LGPS membership to be made within the
twelve months time limit.
g)
Shared Cost AVCs: Regulation 17(1)
An employer may contribute towards a Shared Cost AVC Scheme.
The Council will not contribute towards a Shared Cost AVC Scheme.
h)
Forfeiture of Pension Rights: 19(2), 91, 92, 93
If a member leaves as a result of a conviction for an offence in connection with their
LGPS employment or as a result of their own criminal, negligent or fraudulent act in
connection with that employment, the employer has discretion (within the terms of
these regulations) to direct that all or part of their LGPS pension rights should be
forfeited and/or paid over to the employer or specified dependants of the member.
The Council will exercise this discretion depending on the circumstances of the case. These
decisions are delegated to the Corporate Leadership Team, Leader and Portfolio Member
73
for Human Resources following consultation with the Council’s s151 Officer, Monitoring
Officer and the Head of Organisational Development.
i)
Appointment of Adjudicator for Member Disagreements Regulation 74(1)
There is a three-stage dispute procedure for members who disagree with any LGPS
decision made by their employer. The first stage is handled by an independent person
appointed by the employer. Second Stage appeals are dealt with by the administering
authority, Norfolk County Council. The third and final stage is an appeal to The
Pensions Ombudsman.
The Council appoints the Monitoring Officer as the independent person to deal with the first
stage of any disagreement between a LGPS member and the Council.
j)
Transfers of Pension Rights: Regulation 100(6)
A member who has previous pension rights in a different pension scheme* may
transfer them into the LGPS provided they opt to do so within twelve months of
joining it. The employer has discretion to extend the twelve months time limit.
The Council will not use the discretion available to it to extend the twelve month application
period.
*This does not include rights in the LGPS, which are dealt with under f).
k)
Members’ Contribution Rates: Regulation 9(3)
Employers are required to allocate employees into the appropriate contribution band
for 2014/15 and every financial year from then on. If a member’s pay moves into a
different band during the financial year, the employer has the discretion to implement
the new band immediately.
The Council will use the contribution rate defined in the regulations and apply it to staff who
are members of the pension scheme in accordance with their pensionable pay*. The
contribution rate is assessed on a monthly basis based on the employees pensionable pay.
*There is a new definition of pensionable pay in the regulations which includes all payments
made to an employee (with the exception of a limited few items) including, but not limited to,
non contractual overtime and/or additional hours.
l)
Temporary reduction in contributions – the 50/50 option
The 50/50 option is designed to be a short term temporary arrangement during times of
hardship, and allows employees to given written notice to pay half the contributions and
accrue pension benefits at half the normal rate. The Council will pay contributions at the
100% rate in line with the regulations.
Non-Compulsory Items in the 2008 Regulations
m)
Membership Aggregation: Regulation 16(4)(b)(ii)
A member who transfers prior to 1st April 2014 from another LGPS employer,
either directly or after a break, may opt to aggregate the two periods of
membership provided they do so while still an active member in the new post
and within twelve months of joining.
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The Council requires any request to aggregate LGPS membership to be made within
the twelve months time limit.
4)
Discretionary Compensation Payments Policy (Required by The Local
Government (Early Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation)
(England and Wales) Regulations 2006)
The Council can exercise certain discretions under the LGPS. In addition, if it is necessary to
declare posts redundant or consider early retirement, the Council can compensate
employees under the provisions outlined in the above regulations.
Therefore, under this policy the Council will:
a)
In the case of redundancy operate with its general policy which is outlined in the
Redundancy policy
b)
Discretionary compensation for redundancy:- calculate redundancy pay using the
statutory redundancy calculator, the actual weekly rate of pay multiplied by 1.5 weeks for
each year of completed local government service (up to a maximum of 45 weeks pay). This
compensation will be payable in the form of a lump sum with any statutory redundancy
payment offset against the discretionary award
c)
Where a business case has been agreed pay a one-off payment, based on the merits
of each individual case, up to a maximum permitted under the new regulations (i.e.104
week’s pay calculated on a sum up to the employees actual week’s pay). Only in exceptional
cases would the payment exceed 45 weeks pay (the maximum proposed for redundancy
cases)
d)
The Council will aim to achieve a payback period of up to 3 years to cover associated
costs.
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Appendix 1
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