Council Please Contact: Emma Denny Please email: emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk Please Direct Dial on: 01263 516010 13 February 2015 A meeting of the North Norfolk District Council will be held in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Wednesday 25 February 2015 at 6.00 p.m. 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 Major Alex Bishop, Sheringham Corps, Salvation Army. 2. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS To receive the Chairman’s communications, if any. 3. 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. 4. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive apologies for absence, if any. 5. MINUTES (attached – page 1) To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17 December 2014. 7. ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS 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 Rural Development Programme England LAG Boards (Wensum and Broads) b) To appoint Mr T FitzPatrick to the Rural Services Network Special Interest Group c) To appoint Mr T FitzPatrick as Local Authority Armed Forces Community Covenant Champion To consider any further appointments, if any. 10. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 06 JANUARY 2015 MINUTE NO.99: TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE AND STATION APPROACH PUBLIC CONVENIENCES SHERINGHAM – PROPOSAL FROM NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY RESOLVED to recommend to Council: As part of the budget setting process: a) provision of a capital budget, to allow the transfer of services to progress, to be funded by capital resources b) an additional one off revenue budget of £6,150 to cover provision of temporary public convenience facilities and signage, to be funded from the Invest to Save Reserve That any additional costs relating to staffing are also met from the Invest to Save Reserve 11. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 02 FEBRUARY 2015 AGENDA ITEM 12: TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT 2015/16 RESOLVED To recommend that the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2015/16 is approved. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE The Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorsed the recommendation at their meeting held on 11th February 2015. 12. (attached – p.8) BUDGET AND COUNCIL TAX SETTING 2015/2016 (Appendix A – p.27) (Appendix B – p.28) (Appendix C – p.32) (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 2015/16 at their meeting on 02 February 2015. The recommendations were endorsed by Overview and Scrutiny at their meeting on 11th February 2015. These recommendations are now incorporated within the recommendations below. Summary: Options considered: Conclusions: This report presents for approval the budget for 2015/16 and to make statutory calculations in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to set the Council Tax for 2015/16. 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 2 February 2015. It is the opinion of the Council’s Chief Financial Officer that the budget for 2015/16 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) The 2015/16 revenue budget as outlined at Appendix A within this report; The surplus of £462,329 be allocated to the general reserve (£260,000) and restructuring 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) Reasons for Recommendations: Cabinet Member(s) Ward(s) affected Contact Officer, telephone number, and e-mail: 13. and invest to save reserve (£202,329); The statement of and movement on the reserves as detailed at Appendix C within this report; The updated Capital Programme and financing for 2014/15 to 2017/18 (as detailed at Appendix F within the February 2015 Cabinet Agenda) with the addition of £178,500 to allow the transfer of the Sheringham facilities to the North Norfolk Railway; The new capital bids (as detailed at Appendix G within the February 2015 Cabinet Agenda); The prudential indicators for 2015/16 (as detailed at Appendix H within the February 2015 Cabinet Agenda); That members note the current financial projections for the period 2016/17 to 2018/19; The Policy Framework for the Earmarked Reserves and the Optimum Level of the General Reserve 2015/16 to 2018/19 (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 2015/16; The demand on the Collection Fund for 2015/16, subject to any amendments as a result of final precepts still to be received be: a. £5,307,073 for District purposes b. £1,760,520 (subject to confirmation of the final precepts) for Parish/Town Precepts; To approve the 2015/16 budget for revenue and capital and to make the statutory calculations in respect of the 2015/16 Council Tax. All All Karen Sly 01263 516243 karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk PAY REPORT COVERING THE PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2015/16 AND THE LIVING WAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE JOINT STAFF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (attached – p.34) (Pay Policy Statement– p.37) Summary: a) Pay Policy Statement: 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 2015/16. 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. b) Living Wage Recommendations: The Joint Staff Consultative Committee (JSCC) put forward a number of recommendations regarding payment of the Living Wage as a supplement to relevant posts and the removal of grade 13 (lowest paid grade for staff). Conclusions: The attached statement sets out current remuneration arrangements for officers and outlines the recommendations put forward by JSCC in respect of the Living Wage. Recommendations: 1) To adopt the attached Pay Policy Statement and to publish the statement for 2015/16 on the Council’s website. 2) To consider the recommendations from the Joint Staff Consultative Committee:2.1) To pay the current Living Wage rate as a supplement to affected posts from 1st January 2015 (not including Apprentices) and to review this payment on an annual basis 2.2) To remove Grade 13 from the Council's pay scales for staff Cabinet Member(s) Ward(s) affected Contact Officer, telephone number, and e-mail: 14. Tom FitzPatrick All Julie Cooke 01263 516040 julie.cooke@north-norfolk.gov.uk TO RECEIVE THE APPROVED MINUTES OF THE UNDERMENTIONED COMMITTEES 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) i) 15. Audit Committee – 16 September 2014 Cabinet – 8 December 2014 Cabinet – 06 January 2015 Development Committee – 27 November 2014 Development Committee – 18 December 2014 Licensing & Appeals Committee – 10 November 2014 Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 12 November 2014 Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 10 December 2014 Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 14 January 2015 REPORTS FROM THE CABINET OR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET To receive reports from the Cabinet or Members of the Cabinet. 16. QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS To receive questions from Members. 17. OPPOSITION BUSINESS To receive any opposition business. 18. NOTICE(S) OF MOTION None received 19. 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.” 20. 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 17 December 2014 at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 6.00 pm. Members Present: Officers in Attendance: 89. Mrs S Arnold Mr M Baker Mrs L Brettle Mr Cabbell Manners Mrs H Cox Mr N Dixon Mrs A M Fitch-Tillett Mr T FitzPatrick Ms V R Gay Mrs A Green Mr B Hannah Mr P W High Mr T Ivory Mr J Lee Mr N Lloyd Mrs B McGoun Mr W J Northam Mr R Oliver Miss B Palmer Mr J Perry-Warnes Mr R Price Mr E Seward Mr R Shepherd Mr R Smith Mr R Stevens Mrs A Sweeney Mr P Terrington Mrs L Walker Mr G Williams Mr P Williams Mr J Wyatt Mr A Yiasimi Mr D Young The Chief Executive, The Corporate Directors, the Monitoring Officer, the Head of Finance, and the Democratic Services Team Leader PRAYERS The Chairman invited Reverend A King of the Methodist Church, Fakenham to lead prayers. 90. PRESENTATION The Chairman said that he was very pleased to be able to present Eastlaw with two further awards – the Halsbury award for in-house legal team of the year, 2014 and the Lawyers in Local Government award for information management. The Chairman led all members in congratulating the team for their continued success and hard work. 91. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS The Chairman began by congratulating Councillor Hilary Cox on her recent appointment as Chairman of the women’s section of the Norfolk British Legion. He then went onto draw member’s attention to the recent peer review. He said that it was proposed that the peer review team would return soon to provide members with feedback on the review. Two dates were proposed – December or late January. It was agreed that January would be preferable. The Chairman advised members that with the elections taking place in 2015, members would be provided with information and advice on the process and timetable early in the New Year. The Chairman then informed members that there was a new political grouping. Councillors M Baker and R Wright now formed the UK Independence Group. Details had been updated on the website. 1 The Chairman concluded by inviting members to join him for a drink after the meeting to celebrate Christmas. 92. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS The following members declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the Motion (discussed at Minute 106) as elected members of Norfolk County Council: Mr M Baker, Mrs H Cox, Mr N Dixon, Mr B Hannah, Mr T FitzPatrick and Mr E Seward. 93. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, Mrs H Eales, Mrs P Grove-Jones, Mr G Jones, Mrs A Moore, Mr P Moore, Mr J Punchard, Mr R Reynolds, Mr N Smith, Mrs V Uprichard, Mr S Ward and Mr R Wright 94. MINUTES Mr E Seward requested that paragraph 5 of Minute 87 be changed to state: ‘ under the Local Government Act 2000 little could be done’ The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 19 November 2014 were then approved as a correct record, subject to the above amendment. 95. ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS None 96. PUBLIC QUESTIONS None 97. APPOINTMENTS RESOLVED a) To appoint Mr R Wright to replace Mr P Terrington on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. b) To appoint Mrs A Fitch-Tillett, Mr J Lee and Mr R Oliver to the Housing Panel. c) To appoint Mr G Williams as a substitute on the Housing Panel. 98. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 08 DECEMBER 2014 a) AGENDA ITEM 10: FEES AND CHARGES 2015/16 Mr W Northam, Portfolio Holder for Finance, introduced this item. He said that the report provided the detail of proposed charges for the forward financial year from 1 April 2015 and was part of the budget preparations for 2015/16. He was pleased to inform members that no changes had been made to car parking charges, beach huts and chalets and that it was proposed that market fees should remain at the current level to help stimulate growth. Where applicable, the proposed increase to fees and charges was generally around 2.5% for 2015/16.The exceptions to this were for those fees and charges which were set by central government – such as planning and premises licence fees. Mr Northam concluded by thanking the officers for all their hard work and support. 2 RESOLVED To agree the fees and charges from 1 April 2015 as included at Appendix A. b) AGENDA ITEM 11: REVIEW OF HOUSING DELIVERY INCENTIVE SCHEME The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Mr B Cabbell Manners, presented this item. He explained that the Housing Delivery Incentive Scheme had been introduced in September 2013 and had brought forward around 60 separate development schemes proposing 600 dwellings. As the scheme had only been available for a period of 12 months it was regarded as too early to judge its success in terms of actual dwelling completions and it was therefore proposed that it was extended for a further 12 months to December 2015. RESOLVED: To extend the North Norfolk Housing Incentive Scheme until 31st December 2015 99. DETERMINATION OF COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNTS AND CHARGES FOR 2015/16 Mr W Northam, Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced this item. He asked the Head of Finance to outline the recommendations to members. She explained that there were no proposed changes from the current financial year. 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 2015/16; the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘B’ remains at 5% for the year 2015/16; 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 2015/16; the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘D’ to remain at 50% for twelve months for the year 2015/16. 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. 3 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. 100. DETERMINATION OF THE COUNCIL TAX BASE FOR 2015/16 AND THE TREATMENT OF SPECIAL EXPENSES Mr W Northam, Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced this item. He asked the Head of Finance to outline the recommendations to members. She explained that the purpose of the report was to determine the Council’s 2015/16 tax base for each parish in accordance with the legal requirements. The determination of the tax base for a financial year has to be undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements between 1 December and 31 January of the preceding financial year. 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 2015/16 be determined as 37,274; b) That the tax base for each parish area for the financial year 2015/16 be as set out at paragraph 2.1. 101. DRAFT PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS 2015/16 The Portfolio Holder for Democratic Services, Mr B Cabbell Manners, introduced this item. He said that some minor changes had been made to ensure that the programme reflected the cycle of the business of the Council as closely as possible. RESOLVED To adopt the Programme of Meetings for 2015/16 102. TO RECEIVE THE APPROVED MINUTES OF THE UNDERMENTIONED COMMITTEES The minutes of the meetings below were noted as a correct record. a) b) 103. Development Committee – 30 October 2014 Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 15 October 2014 REPORTS FROM THE CABINET OR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET The Chairman invited members of the Cabinet to speak. The Leader updated members on the following: a) On 5th December 2014, the Leader, the Chief Executive, the Portfolio Holder for the Coast and the Coastal Management Team Leader had met with the Environment Secretary to highlight the ongoing work to repair the damage caused by the tidal surge in 2013. b) Following the Scottish referendum the LGA was leading a drive for more devolution to local authorities. Together with council Leaders from across the country, he had signed an open letter to the Observer demanding more powers for local authorities. c) The recent corporate peer review had been positive – particularly about the agenda going forward. He thanked members for their involvement and contribution. He said that one of the main recommendations was that the Council needed to ‘shout more’ about its successes. The peer team had been particularly impressed by the work of the Enforcement Board and the scheme for loans to registered housing providers. 4 The Chairman thanked the Chief Executive and all the officers involved for their hard work on the peer review. 104. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS None 105. OPPOSITION BUSINESS None 106. NOTICE(S) OF MOTION Before introducing the Motion, Mr R Oliver said that he wished to propose the following amendment: that ‘Cromer’ should be replaced by ‘other towns’. Mr R Smith seconded the amendment and it was agreed that the amended wording would be included in the substantive motion. The following Motion was put forward by Cllrs R Oliver, R Shepherd and R Smith: ‘NNDC recognises that parking can be an issue in Sheringham and other towns and welcomes the fact that plans are being drawn up for consultation. NNDC also recognises the need to consider these schemes closely and weigh up the benefits for residents, businesses and visitors. NNDC calls on the County Council to reconsider the current on-street car parking proposals in Sheringham and other towns to carry out a full consultation to all houses in Sheringham and adjacent parishes. NNDC also requests that the County Council engages fully with NNDC on the consultation process and works with all stakeholders to ensure that the approach adopted is consensual and evidence based.’ Mr R Oliver introduced the motion. He said that the situation had changed since the motion was submitted but it was still clear that the current process for consultation could be improved. He said that the issue was non-political and that the district councillors for Sheringham had been asked by local residents to bring the item forward. Mr Oliver went onto say that there was no doubt that parking was difficult in both Sheringham and Cromer during the tourist season and he acknowledged that there was a need to improve the situation for residents and visitors. The proposal covered both residents parking permits and pay and display machines. Some residents were supportive of a permit scheme but no-one was in favour of a pay display scheme for on-street parking as it would have a detrimental impact on the town and neighbouring parishes. He therefore urged the County Council to reconsider their proposals, stating that since submitting the motion, the consultation period had been moved until after Christmas – which demonstrated that pressure could bring about change. The Chairman invited Members to speak: a) Mr B Hannah said that he felt it was wrong to bring this issue before the Council. He said that he did not believe it was a non-political issue and that the documents were all in the public domain. He referred to the Norfolk Parking Partnership Joint Committee which met on a six monthly basis and said that Mr Oliver, as the Council’s appointed representative, had not attended the meeting where this issue was discussed. Mr Hannah went onto say that it was purely a consultation and no firm proposals existed. Whatever, the outcome of the consultation, any scheme could be tailored to meet local conditions and needs. He concluded by requesting members not to support the motion and suggested that the Leader should apologise to the County Council for it being submitted. b) Mr R Shepherd, in seconding the motion, said that it was not a political issue. The motion had cross-party support as well as the backing of the town councils and the chambers of 5 c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) trade. He said that County Council officers attending a meeting at Sheringham had informed those present that the proposals would be imposed on the towns regardless of the outcome of the consultation. He concluded by saying that Sheringham Town Council had initially only been given 3 days to respond to the proposals. Mr M J M Baker said that elected members not officers ran the County Council and the scheme could not be imposed on anyone. He felt that motorists already paid a heavy price through road tax, fuel costs and car park charges. This proposal was just another tax and it was unreasonable for the County Council to burden rural residents further. Mr J Lee said that the proposals raised significant concerns. In Cromer there were several on-street parking spaces in the town centre. If charging was introduced after the first 30 minutes then the spaces would be tied up and turnover would be reduced. He acknowledged that there were some residential streets in Cromer where the residents would like residents’ permits. He concluded by saying that the 54 spaces along the Runton Road were currently used by people working in Cromer and the introduction of charging would impact quite heavily on them. Mrs H Cox said that she had asked for Cromer to be omitted from the original motion as she believed there were differences between the two towns. There were some streets in Cromer that wanted residents’ permits. A lot more information was needed before a decision could be made. She said that it was a consultation and it had to start somewhere and that she would support a thorough consultation on the matter as parking was a contentious issue. Mr E Seward said that as a North Walsham member he did not feel that he should get too involved at this stage and that the detail should be left to the knowledge of local members. He referred to the recent consultation on the proposal to move Cromer market and said that the outcome demonstrated that people’s views were taken into consideration. He encouraged members to engage with the County Council. Mr Seward then referred to the Norfolk Parking Partnership Joint Committee and said that these meetings were an opportunity for NNDC to take part in county-wide parking discussions and that not attending them put the District Council in a difficult position. He said that the possibility of extending the scheme across the District should cause concern for all members. Mr A Yiasimi said that parking was a problem in Cromer and that some residents would be willing to pay for permits. He went onto say that the problem was exacerbated by the supermarkets as they would not provide parking for their staff. Mr P Terrington commented that he too had concerns. He commended the local members for raising the issue but agreed that NNDC did not appear to have engaged with the Norfolk Parking Partnership Joint Committee. He was concerned that the motion seemed to imply that the County Council was not complying with their statutory obligations and he felt that there were other, preferable ways to communicate with them. He concluded by saying that the motion should be withdrawn. Mr G Williams said that the core of the motion was about the process of the consultation. It referred to ‘reconsidering’ and the County Council had already demonstrated that they could listen as they had moved the consultation dates back. He concluded by saying that there seemed to be a situation in Sheringham particularly where there were a lot of people with concerns and this indicated that something about the process was not right. Mr P Williams suggested that NNDC undertook a full consultation on parking needs across the district and then approach the County Council with the information. By taking this approach the need for the motion would be eliminated. Mr T FitzPatrick said that a proper consultation was necessary. Permit parking could have a knock-on effect on neighbouring areas. He said that the motion had cross-party support and the local members were concerned that there was no proposed consultation with adjacent parishes. In response to the comments made by Mr B Hannah, he said that he would not apologise for the motion appearing on the agenda. Local authorities were independent from one another and any member was entitled to put a motion forward. The Chairman invited Mr Oliver to respond to the issues raised. Mr Oliver said that at the meetings that he had attended at Cromer Town Council no mention had been made of pay and display machines – only permit parking. Regarding the Norfolk Parking Partnership Joint Committee, he said that the NNDC representative’s status was as a non-voting observer. The 6 detail that had been outlined by officers since that meeting was not in the minutes. He said that now was the time to properly consult with stakeholders. This issue involved several members and they should be consulted individually. Mr Oliver went onto say that there had initially been no plans to consult in South Sheringham, It should also be noted that the consultation was going to take place over Christmas and that Sheringham Town Council only had 3 days to respond. In addition, the consultation documents had not been sent to local members – Mr Oliver had only received them by chance. Mr Oliver said that all of the Sheringham stakeholders agreed that there was a need to consult with adjacent parishes. It was also important that the County Council was clear about how they would react to the consultation responses. When officers had been asked whether pay and display would be withdrawn as an option if it was not supported they had said that they could not guarantee this. This implied that it was a scheme aimed at generating income. He went onto say that more clarity was required about how the results of the consultation would be dealt with – particularly if there was a limited response in some streets. A more thorough process including maps and a list of ‘frequently asked questions’ would make it easier and more transparent. It was proposed by Mr R Oliver, seconded by Mr R Smith and RESOLVED that the following motion be sent to Norfolk County Council: ‘NNDC recognises that parking can be an issue in Sheringham and other towns and welcomes the fact that plans are being drawn up for consultation. NNDC also recognises the need to consider these schemes closely and weigh up the benefits for residents, businesses and visitors. NNDC calls on the County Council to reconsider the current on-street car parking proposals in Sheringham and other towns to carry out a full consultation to all houses in Sheringham and adjacent parishes. NNDC also requests that the County Council engages fully with NNDC on the consultation process and works with all stakeholders to ensure that the approach adopted is consensual and evidence based.’ Mr P High and Mr P Terrington voted against the motion. Mrs H Cox, Mr M Baker, Mr B Hannah, Mr E Seward, Mr T FitzPatrick abstained. 107. PRIVATE BUSINESS None The meeting concluded at 7.06pm. _________________________ Chairman 7 Agenda Item No____12________ BUDGET AND COUNCIL TAX 2015/16 Summary: Options considered: This report presents for approval the budget for 2015/16 and to make statutory calculations in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to set the Council Tax for 2015/16. 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 2 February 2015. Conclusions: It is the opinion of the Council’s Chief Financial Officer that the budget for 2015/16 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) The 2015/16 revenue budget as outlined at Appendix A within this report; The surplus of £462,329 be allocated to the general reserve (£260,000) and restructuring and invest to save reserve (£202,329); The statement of and movement on the reserves as detailed at Appendix C within this report; The updated Capital Programme and financing for 2014/15 to 2017/18 (as detailed at Appendix F within the February 2015 Cabinet Agenda) with the addition of £178,500 to allow the transfer of the Sheringham facilities to the North Norfolk Railway; The new capital bids (as detailed at Appendix G within the February 2015 Cabinet Agenda); The prudential indicators for 2015/16 (as detailed at Appendix H within the February 2015 Cabinet Agenda); That members note the current financial projections for the period 2016/17 to 2018/19; The Policy Framework for the Earmarked Reserves and the Optimum Level of the General Reserve 2015/16 to 2018/19 (Appendix B within this report); 8 9) 10) Reasons for Recommendations: That members undertake the Council Tax and statutory calculations set out at section 4, and set the Council Tax for 2015/16; The demand on the Collection Fund for 2015/16, subject to any amendments as a result of final precepts still to be received be: a. £5,307,073 for District purposes b. £1,760,520 (subject to confirmation of the final precepts) for Parish/Town Precepts; To approve the 2015/16 budget for revenue and capital and to make the statutory calculations in respect of the 2015/16 Council Tax. LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW (Papers relied on the 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 2015/16 General Fund revenue and capital budgets along with the Council Tax for 2015/16. It also presents for information only the current budget projections for 2016/17 to 2018/19. 1.2 The budget for 2015/16, along with detailed projections for the following three financial years, were recommended by Cabinet on 2 February 2015 and then considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 11 February 2015. 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 2015/16 budget and future projections following the final Local Government Finance Settlement announcement on 4 February 2015. Further details on the outcome of this announcement are included in section 2 of the report. 2. 2015/16 Budget 2.1 Since the budget report was produced for Cabinet earlier this month the position for 2015/16 (Appendix A) has been updated for the following: 2.1.1 Final Local Government Finance Settlement – There have been no significant changes as a result of the announcement of the final Local 9 Government Finance Settlement figures as announced on 4 February 2015, only a small element in respect of New Homes Bonus. 2.1.2 Business Rates – At the time of producing the Cabinet report the government return that determines the allocation of funding through the business rates retention funding system had not been completed. The budget has now been updated and there has been an amendment to the amount retained due to the impact of the current (2014/15) financial years latest position. This has been mitigated by a movement on the business rates reserve which was established to accommodate such movements between years. 2.1.3 Parish Precepts – At the time of writing the report there are three precepts yet to be confirmed, the position as included in the report allows for estimates of the precepts. 2.2 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 2015/16 will be £183.10 (see para 4.6), comprising District element £138.87 and parish element £47.23 (subject to receiving the final three parish precept forms). 2.3 The recommendations in the report also take into account the previous item on the Council Agenda in relation to the recommendation from Cabinet (January 2015) for approval of a capital budget to allow the transfer of the services (Tourist Information Centre and Public Conveniences) to the North Norfolk Railway. A capital budget is now recommended of £178,500 to enable this change to the provision of services to be undertaken. 2.4 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 following matters: the robustness of the estimates made for the purpose of the budget calculations and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves. 2.5 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 2015/16. 3.2 The framework within which the budget for 2015/16 has been constructed is similar to that of previous years and takes into account the following: a) Previous financial year out-turn position (2013/14) (3.3) b) Financial Strategy 2015/16 to 2017/18 (3.4) c) In-year budget monitoring and associated reports (3.5) d) Cash flow monitoring (3.6) 10 3.3 The outturn position for 2013/14 was reported to Members in June 2014, this position was confirmed following the external audit review and reported to Members in September 2014. This was the starting position for developing the Council’s budget. The outturn position is used to update the financial planning process and establishes the baseline for the current estimates by reflecting significant movements and which will have an on-going impact on the future financial position of the Council. 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 2014. This process includes the critical examination and challenge of the proposed 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. 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 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 deliver future savings for the authority. 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 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 oneoff 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 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 CashFlow Monitoring – The Council remains debt free and is forecast to be for the 2015/16 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 and from external advisors for example the Council’s treasury 11 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 impact on the Council’s overall budget and financial position. Forecasting in 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 significant income for the Council which in turn supports the delivery of other services across the Council. The 2015/16 budget assumes gross income of just over £2.048 million from all car parking related fees and charges. b) Planning and building control fees – The 2015/16 base budget includes income totalling approximately £1,010,500 from planning and building control fees. 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 £947,415 is included in the 2015/16 base budget. d) Planned Savings and Additional Income – the Council is continuing to deliver and identified 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 in-year as part of the budget monitoring process. New savings/additional income of £222,000 have been included in the budget for 2015/16 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 2015/16, 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 assumes the shares of the income as specified in the National Non Domestic Rate 1 (NNDR) return submitted for 2015/16 and also assumes a movement from the earmarked reserve to mitigate the impact from the 2014/15 forecast position. The actuals for 2015/16 will not be confirmed until the annual NNDR3 return is completed in June 2016. In addition, the Government announced further reliefs for businesses from April 2015, including increased Retail Relief, and continuation of the doubling of the small business rate relief. The implications to Local Authorities of these measures is reimbursed through a Section 31 grant for the amount of income foregone by providing the reliefs. Other factors that will have an impact on the level of rates retained are current and backdated appeals. g) Investment Returns – Over the past few years investment income has been significantly reduced in the light of the prolonged duration of low interest rates. 12 The current investment strategy is looking for a return of 2.2% for 2015/16. The investment income budget includes interest on loans anticipated to be made to housing associations, and £5m invested in the Local Authorities Mutual Invest Trust (LAMIT) Pooled Property Fund. In accordance with the Treasury Strategy 2015/16 as reported to Cabinet in February 2015, the Council will seek to invest more of its portfolio in secured investments such as the £4.5m in covered bonds purchased in October 2014. 3.9 Looking beyond 2015/16, 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 from 2016/17 onwards. The financial projections show a forecast budget gap of £265,000 in 2016/17, increasing to £1.043 million in 2017/18 and £1.245 million in 2018/19. 3.10 The capital programme relies on new capital receipts from the sale of assets for nonhousing capital projects; and preserved right to buy receipts and the VAT shelter arrangements for the housing programme. 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. 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 2015/16, 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). 13 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 2015/16 along with a number of new savings. 3.22 The revised assessment of the General Reserve for 2015/16 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 2015/16 is estimated to be just over £2 million. 3.23 Earmarked reserves are estimated to total £7,556,484 by the end of the 2015/16 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 14 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 2015/16. 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 2015/16 4.1 The following pages represent the information required for Members to set the Council Tax for the year commencing 1 April 2015. 4.2 Norfolk County Council is scheduled to meet on the 16 February 2015 to set its Council Tax, and the recommendation is to freeze the Council Tax at the same level as last year. An increase of 1.978% in the Council Tax for the Norfolk Police & Crime Commissioner was confirmed following the meeting of the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel on 3 February 2015. 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) and Norfolk County Council, and a 1.978% 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 2015/16 an increase of 2% or more above the amount for 2014/15 will be excessive, and a referendum must be held. 4.4 The excessiveness principles apply in 2015/16 to billing authorities and major precepting authorities, but not to local precepting authorities (town and parish councils). 4.5 That it be NOTED that at its meeting on 17 December 2014, Full Council calculated the following Council Tax bases for the year 2015/16 in accordance with regulations made under Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended: a) for the whole Council area as 37,274 (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 93.99 Little Barningham 39.95 Aldborough 209.99 Little Snoring 205.78 Antingham 116.75 Ludham 474.80 Ashmanhaugh 65.07 Matlaske 59.68 15 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 COUNCIL PART OF THE TAX BASE COUNCIL’S AREA 195.20 Melton Constable 83.22 Morston 470.56 Mundesley 95.28 Neatishead 239.15 North Walsham 105.76 Northrepps 371.25 Overstrand 165.22 Paston 521.49 Plumstead 158.87 Potter Heigham 60.14 Pudding Norton 120.32 Raynham 804.85 Roughton 24.70 Runton 295.35 Ryburgh 298.75 Salthouse 178.85 Scottow 262.25 Sculthorpe 2732.79 Sea Palling 130.58 Sheringham 51.52 Sidestrand 180.57 Skeyton 176.67 Sloley 227.89 Smallburgh 2339.96 Southrepps 67.12 Stalham 183.66 Stibbard 132.10 Stiffkey 175.19 Stody 139.43 Suffield 77.01 Sustead 160.58 Sutton 143.54 Swafield 91.29 Swanton Abbott 288.51 Swanton Novers 117.18 Tattersett 71.42 Thornage 175.04 Thorpe Market 384.67 Thurning 266.13 Thursford 196.14 Trimingham 224.25 Trunch 84.00 Tunstead 1499.08 Upper Sheringham 115.69 Walcott 583.45 Walsingham 28.61 Warham 759.70 Wells-next-the-Sea 141.42 Westwick 16 COUNCIL TAX BASE 176.93 52.46 1052.78 230.95 3642.55 337.51 418.85 80.28 47.66 392.98 68.93 125.73 314.39 684.33 218.83 108.58 281.23 268.67 202.35 2940.06 43.46 84.20 88.40 175.36 314.50 972.25 128.15 126.08 90.69 51.26 86.30 376.06 109.79 142.02 75.76 262.94 89.06 109.12 30.28 103.45 135.51 332.13 252.15 94.38 201.58 336.93 76.72 1025.70 28.81 PART OF THE COUNCIL'S AREA Ingworth Itteringham Kelling Kettlestone Knapton Langham Lessingham Letheringsett with Glandford COUNCIL PART OF THE TAX BASE COUNCIL’S AREA 41.59 Weybourne 56.52 Wickmere 84.23 Wighton 86.53 Witton 143.30 Wiveton 197.26 Wood Norton 215.18 Worstead COUNCIL TAX BASE 310.44 55.48 104.20 120.71 84.88 97.99 302.49 121.70 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 2015/16 in accordance with Sections 31A to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the relevant regulations and directions as follows:a) £52,508,244 b) £45,571,485 c) £6,936,759 d) £186.1018 e) £1,760,519.80 f) £138.8700 g) 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. PART OF THE COUNCIL'S AREA Alby with Thwaite Aldborough and Thurgarton Antingham Ashmanhaugh Aylmerton BASIC PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AMOUNT AREA £ 164.4046 Little Snoring 170.5381 Ludham 156.7543 Matlaske 192.6582 Melton Constable 169.8587 Morston 17 BASIC AMOUNT £ 177.7464 155.4095 143.8968 200.7419 157.9321 PART OF THE COUNCIL'S AREA 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 Gresham Gunthorpe Hanworth Helhoughton Hempstead Hempton Hickling High Kelling Hindolveston Hindringham Holkham Holt Honing Horning Horsey Hoveton Ingham Ingworth Itteringham Kelling Kettlestone BASIC PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AMOUNT AREA £ 156.8945 Mundesley 169.4527 Neatishead 158.8112 North Walsham 159.7773 Northrepps 163.9267 Overstrand 171.3521 Paston 166.1064 Plumstead 202.1502 Potter Heigham 186.0784 Pudding Norton 155.4923 Raynham 182.7141 Roughton 173.6693 Runton (East & West) 166.7260 Ryburgh 222.4763 Salthouse 197.4400 Scottow 216.6644 Sculthorpe 169.3647 Sea Palling 163.7910 Sheringham 217.5477 Sidestrand 171.7060 Skeyton 205.5258 Sloley 179.2305 Smallburgh 147.0372 Southrepps 160.4597 Stalham 169.3797 Stibbard 173.2241 Stiffkey 177.8259 Stody 173.1208 Suffield 156.2867 Sustead 159.7266 Sutton 169.4895 Swafield 161.2166 Swanton Abbott 180.5930 Swanton Novers 160.6159 Tattersett 146.3851 Thornage 174.5587 Thorpe Market 170.8833 Thursford 168.6319 Trimingham 193.3033 Trunch 156.1575 Tunstead 164.1420 Upper Sheringham 173.0188 Walcott 191.8066 Walsingham 147.4826 Warham 196.3357 Wells-next-the-Sea 178.7072 Weybourne 172.6109 Wickmere 179.3183 Wighton 18 BASIC AMOUNT £ 189.2129 168.3136 185.5537 177.7636 190.9626 191.4484 173.4902 168.0725 189.6461 182.9724 161.8859 154.2134 175.4280 178.0116 188.6513 162.1327 192.2082 227.6977 167.4480 151.3165 164.4582 170.0971 175.5981 193.3827 181.0315 176.3462 165.0691 168.1325 160.0750 168.8971 180.1670 174.7804 191.6683 150.2794 156.0494 177.1764 167.8695 196.4081 189.4526 161.9356 194.6021 171.5121 196.7455 204.0420 199.3233 187.1885 201.9557 172.4592 BASIC PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AMOUNT AREA £ 166.2182 Witton 170.6047 Wiveton 153.4763 Wood Norton 155.3038 Worstead 158.8199 PART OF THE COUNCIL'S AREA Knapton Langham Lessingham Letheringsett with Glandford Little Barningham BASIC AMOUNT £ 146.9720 189.8949 164.8930 165.5386 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 B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ 109.60 127.87 146.13 164.40 200.93 237.47 274.00 328.80 113.69 104.50 128.43 113.23 104.59 112.96 105.87 106.51 109.28 114.23 110.73 134.76 124.05 103.66 121.80 115.77 111.15 148.31 132.64 121.92 149.84 132.11 122.02 131.79 123.51 124.27 127.49 133.27 129.19 157.22 144.72 120.93 142.11 135.07 129.67 173.03 151.58 139.33 171.25 150.98 139.46 150.62 141.16 142.02 145.71 152.31 147.65 179.68 165.40 138.21 162.41 154.37 148.20 197.75 170.53 156.75 192.65 169.85 156.89 169.45 158.81 159.77 163.92 171.35 166.10 202.15 186.07 155.49 182.71 173.66 166.72 222.47 208.43 191.58 235.47 207.60 191.75 207.10 194.10 195.28 200.35 209.43 203.01 247.07 227.42 190.04 223.31 212.26 203.77 271.91 246.33 226.42 278.28 245.35 226.62 244.76 229.39 230.78 236.78 247.50 239.93 291.99 268.77 224.59 263.92 250.85 240.82 321.35 284.23 261.25 321.09 283.09 261.49 282.42 264.68 266.29 273.21 285.58 276.84 336.91 310.13 259.15 304.52 289.44 277.87 370.79 341.07 313.50 385.31 339.71 313.78 338.90 317.62 319.55 327.85 342.70 332.21 404.30 372.15 310.98 365.42 347.33 333.45 444.95 131.62 144.44 112.90 109.19 145.03 114.47 137.01 119.48 153.56 168.51 131.72 127.39 169.20 133.54 159.85 139.40 175.50 192.59 150.54 145.59 193.37 152.62 182.68 159.31 197.44 216.66 169.36 163.79 217.54 171.70 205.52 179.23 241.31 264.81 207.00 200.18 265.89 209.86 251.19 219.05 285.19 312.95 244.63 236.58 314.23 248.01 296.87 258.88 329.06 361.10 282.27 272.98 362.57 286.17 342.54 298.71 394.88 433.32 338.72 327.58 435.09 343.41 411.05 358.46 19 PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AREA VALUATION BANDS A £ Felmingham Field Dalling Fulmodeston Gimingham Great Snoring Gresham Gunthorpe Hanworth 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 B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ 98.02 106.97 112.91 115.48 118.55 115.41 104.19 106.48 112.99 107.47 120.39 107.07 97.59 116.37 113.92 112.42 128.86 104.10 109.42 115.34 127.87 98.32 130.89 119.13 115.07 119.54 110.81 113.73 102.31 114.36 124.80 131.73 134.72 138.30 134.64 121.55 124.23 131.82 125.39 140.46 124.92 113.85 135.76 132.90 131.15 150.34 121.45 127.66 134.57 149.18 114.70 152.70 138.99 134.25 139.46 129.28 132.69 119.37 130.69 142.63 150.55 153.97 158.06 153.88 138.92 141.97 150.65 143.30 160.52 142.76 130.12 155.16 151.89 149.89 171.82 138.80 145.90 153.79 170.49 131.09 174.52 158.85 153.43 159.39 147.74 151.64 136.42 147.03 160.45 169.37 173.22 177.82 173.12 156.28 159.72 169.48 161.21 180.59 160.61 146.38 174.55 170.88 168.63 193.30 156.15 164.14 173.01 191.80 147.48 196.33 178.70 172.61 179.31 166.21 170.60 153.47 179.71 196.11 207.01 211.71 217.34 211.59 191.01 195.22 207.15 197.04 220.72 196.30 178.91 213.34 208.85 206.10 236.25 190.85 200.61 211.46 234.43 180.25 239.96 218.41 210.96 219.16 203.15 208.51 187.58 212.38 231.77 244.65 250.21 256.85 250.06 225.74 230.71 244.81 232.86 260.85 232.00 211.44 252.14 246.83 243.57 279.21 225.56 237.09 249.91 277.05 213.03 283.59 258.13 249.32 259.01 240.09 246.42 221.68 245.06 267.43 282.29 288.70 296.37 288.53 260.47 266.21 282.48 268.69 300.98 267.69 243.97 290.93 284.80 281.05 322.17 260.26 273.57 288.36 319.67 245.80 327.22 297.84 287.68 298.86 277.03 284.34 255.79 294.07 320.91 338.75 346.44 355.65 346.24 312.57 319.45 338.97 322.43 361.18 321.23 292.77 349.11 341.76 337.26 386.60 312.31 328.28 346.03 383.61 294.96 392.67 357.41 345.22 358.63 332.43 341.20 306.95 103.53 105.87 118.49 103.60 95.93 133.82 105.28 126.14 112.20 123.70 118.50 127.30 127.63 115.66 112.04 126.43 120.79 123.52 138.24 120.87 111.91 156.13 122.83 147.16 130.91 144.31 138.26 148.52 148.90 134.93 130.72 147.50 138.04 141.17 157.99 138.14 127.90 178.43 140.38 168.18 149.61 164.93 158.01 169.74 170.17 154.21 149.39 168.57 155.30 158.81 177.74 155.40 143.89 200.74 157.93 189.21 168.31 185.55 177.76 190.96 191.44 173.49 168.07 189.64 189.81 194.11 217.24 189.94 175.87 245.35 193.02 231.26 205.71 226.78 217.26 233.39 233.99 212.04 205.42 231.78 224.32 229.40 256.74 224.48 207.85 289.96 228.12 273.30 243.11 268.02 256.76 275.83 276.53 250.59 242.77 273.93 258.83 264.69 296.24 259.01 239.82 334.56 263.22 315.35 280.52 309.25 296.27 318.27 319.08 289.15 280.12 316.07 310.60 317.63 355.49 310.81 287.79 401.48 315.86 378.42 336.62 371.10 355.52 381.92 382.89 346.98 336.14 379.29 20 PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AREA VALUATION BANDS A £ 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 Warham Wells-next-the-Sea Weybourne Wickmere Wighton Witton Wiveton Wood Norton Worstead All Other Parts of the Council’s Area 121.98 107.92 102.80 116.95 118.67 125.76 108.08 128.13 151.79 111.63 100.87 109.63 113.39 117.06 128.92 120.68 117.56 110.04 112.08 106.71 112.59 120.11 116.52 127.77 100.18 104.03 118.11 111.91 130.93 126.30 107.95 129.73 114.34 131.16 136.02 132.88 124.79 134.63 114.97 97.98 126.59 109.92 110.35 B £ 142.31 125.91 119.94 136.44 138.45 146.72 126.10 149.49 177.09 130.23 117.69 127.91 132.29 136.57 150.40 140.80 137.15 128.38 130.76 124.50 131.36 140.12 135.94 149.07 116.88 121.37 137.80 130.56 152.76 147.35 125.94 151.35 133.39 153.02 158.69 155.02 145.59 157.07 134.13 114.31 147.69 128.25 128.75 C £ 162.64 143.89 137.07 155.93 158.23 167.69 144.11 170.85 202.39 148.84 134.50 146.18 151.19 156.08 171.89 160.91 156.75 146.72 149.45 142.28 150.13 160.14 155.36 170.37 133.58 138.71 157.49 149.21 174.58 168.40 143.94 172.97 152.45 174.88 181.37 177.17 166.38 179.51 153.29 130.64 168.79 146.57 147.14 D £ 182.97 161.88 154.21 175.42 178.01 188.65 162.13 192.20 227.69 167.44 151.31 164.45 170.09 175.59 193.38 181.03 176.34 165.06 168.13 160.07 168.89 180.16 174.78 191.66 150.27 156.04 177.17 167.86 196.40 189.45 161.93 194.60 171.51 196.74 204.04 199.32 187.18 201.95 172.45 146.97 189.89 164.89 165.53 E £ 223.63 197.86 188.48 214.41 217.56 230.57 198.16 234.92 278.29 204.65 184.94 201.00 207.89 214.61 236.35 221.26 215.53 201.75 205.49 195.64 206.42 220.20 213.62 234.26 183.67 190.72 216.54 205.17 240.05 231.55 197.92 237.84 209.62 240.46 249.38 243.61 228.78 246.83 210.78 179.63 232.09 201.53 202.32 F £ 264.29 233.83 222.75 253.39 257.12 272.49 234.19 277.63 328.89 241.86 218.56 237.55 245.69 253.64 279.33 261.48 254.72 238.43 242.85 231.21 243.96 260.24 252.46 276.85 217.07 225.40 255.92 242.47 283.70 273.65 233.90 281.09 247.73 284.18 294.72 287.91 270.38 291.71 249.10 212.29 274.29 238.17 239.11 G £ 304.95 269.80 257.02 292.38 296.68 314.41 270.22 320.34 379.49 279.08 252.19 274.09 283.49 292.66 322.30 301.71 293.91 275.11 280.22 266.79 281.49 300.27 291.30 319.44 250.46 260.08 295.29 279.78 327.34 315.75 269.89 324.33 285.85 327.90 340.07 332.20 311.98 336.59 287.43 244.95 316.49 274.82 275.89 H £ 365.94 323.77 308.42 350.85 356.02 377.30 324.26 384.41 455.39 334.89 302.63 328.91 340.19 351.19 386.76 362.06 352.69 330.13 336.26 320.15 337.79 360.33 349.56 383.33 300.55 312.09 354.35 335.73 392.81 378.90 323.87 389.20 343.02 393.49 408.08 398.64 374.37 403.91 344.91 293.94 379.78 329.78 331.07 92.58 108.01 123.44 138.87 169.73 200.59 231.45 277.74 21 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 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 2015/16 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 £ 763.38 890.61 1,017.84 1,145.07 1,399.53 1,653.99 1,908.45 2,290.14 139.20 162.40 185.60 208.80 255.20 301.60 348.00 417.60 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 2015/16 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 B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ 1,012.18 1,180.88 1,349.57 1,518.27 1,855.66 2,193.06 2,530.45 3,036.54 1,016.27 1,007.08 1,031.01 1,015.81 1,007.17 1,015.54 1,008.45 1,009.09 1,185.65 1,174.93 1,202.85 1,185.12 1,175.03 1,184.80 1,176.52 1,177.28 1,355.02 1,342.77 1,374.69 1,354.42 1,342.90 1,354.06 1,344.60 1,345.46 1,524.40 1,510.62 1,546.52 1,523.72 1,510.76 1,523.32 1,512.68 1,513.64 1,863.16 1,846.31 1,890.20 1,862.33 1,846.48 1,861.83 1,848.83 1,850.01 2,201.92 2,182.01 2,233.87 2,200.94 2,182.21 2,200.35 2,184.98 2,186.37 2,540.68 2,517.70 2,577.54 2,539.54 2,517.94 2,538.87 2,521.13 2,522.74 3,048.81 3,021.24 3,093.05 3,047.45 3,021.52 3,046.64 3,025.36 3,027.29 1,011.86 1,016.81 1,013.31 1,037.34 1,180.50 1,186.28 1,182.20 1,210.23 1,349.15 1,355.75 1,351.09 1,383.12 1,517.79 1,525.22 1,519.97 1,556.02 1,855.08 1,864.16 1,857.74 1,901.80 2,192.37 2,203.09 2,195.52 2,247.58 2,529.66 2,542.03 2,533.29 2,593.36 3,035.59 3,050.44 3,039.95 3,112.04 22 PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AREA VALUATION BANDS A £ B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ 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 Helhoughton Hempstead Hempton Hickling High Kelling Hindolveston Hindringham Holkham Holt 1,026.63 1,006.24 1,024.38 1,018.35 1,013.73 1,050.89 1,197.73 1,173.94 1,195.12 1,188.08 1,182.68 1,226.04 1,368.84 1,341.65 1,365.85 1,357.81 1,351.64 1,401.19 1,539.94 1,509.36 1,536.58 1,527.53 1,520.59 1,576.34 1,882.15 1,844.77 1,878.04 1,866.99 1,858.50 1,926.64 2,224.36 2,180.18 2,219.51 2,206.44 2,196.41 2,276.94 2,566.58 2,515.60 2,560.97 2,545.89 2,534.32 2,627.24 3,079.89 3,018.72 3,073.16 3,055.07 3,041.19 3,152.69 1,034.20 1,047.02 1,015.48 1,011.77 1,047.61 1,017.05 1,039.59 1,022.06 1,000.60 1,009.55 1,015.49 1,018.06 1,021.13 1,017.99 1,006.77 1,009.06 1,015.57 1,010.05 1,022.97 1,009.65 1,000.17 1,018.95 1,016.50 1,015.00 1,031.44 1,206.57 1,221.52 1,184.73 1,180.40 1,222.21 1,186.55 1,212.86 1,192.41 1,167.37 1,177.81 1,184.74 1,187.73 1,191.31 1,187.65 1,174.56 1,177.24 1,184.83 1,178.40 1,193.47 1,177.93 1,166.86 1,188.77 1,185.91 1,184.16 1,203.35 1,378.94 1,396.03 1,353.98 1,349.03 1,396.81 1,356.06 1,386.12 1,362.75 1,334.13 1,346.07 1,353.99 1,357.41 1,361.50 1,357.32 1,342.36 1,345.41 1,354.09 1,346.74 1,363.96 1,346.20 1,333.56 1,358.60 1,355.33 1,353.33 1,375.26 1,551.31 1,570.53 1,523.23 1,517.66 1,571.41 1,525.57 1,559.39 1,533.10 1,500.90 1,514.32 1,523.24 1,527.09 1,531.69 1,526.99 1,510.15 1,513.59 1,523.35 1,515.08 1,534.46 1,514.48 1,500.25 1,528.42 1,524.75 1,522.50 1,547.17 1,896.04 1,919.54 1,861.73 1,854.91 1,920.62 1,864.59 1,905.92 1,873.78 1,834.44 1,850.84 1,861.74 1,866.44 1,872.07 1,866.32 1,845.74 1,849.95 1,861.88 1,851.77 1,875.45 1,851.03 1,833.64 1,868.07 1,863.58 1,860.83 1,890.98 2,240.78 2,268.54 2,200.22 2,192.17 2,269.82 2,203.60 2,252.46 2,214.47 2,167.97 2,187.36 2,200.24 2,205.80 2,212.44 2,205.65 2,181.33 2,186.30 2,200.40 2,188.45 2,216.44 2,187.59 2,167.03 2,207.73 2,202.42 2,199.16 2,234.80 2,585.51 2,617.55 2,538.72 2,529.43 2,619.02 2,542.62 2,598.99 2,555.16 2,501.51 2,523.88 2,538.74 2,545.15 2,552.82 2,544.98 2,516.92 2,522.66 2,538.93 2,525.14 2,557.43 2,524.14 2,500.42 2,547.38 2,541.25 2,537.50 2,578.62 3,102.62 3,141.06 3,046.46 3,035.32 3,142.83 3,051.15 3,118.79 3,066.20 3,001.81 3,028.65 3,046.49 3,054.18 3,063.39 3,053.98 3,020.31 3,027.19 3,046.71 3,030.17 3,068.92 3,028.97 3,000.51 3,056.85 3,049.50 3,045.00 3,094.34 Honing Horning Horsey Hoveton Ingham Ingworth Itteringham Kelling Kettlestone Knapton Langham Lessingham 1,006.68 1,012.00 1,017.92 1,030.45 1,000.90 1,033.47 1,021.71 1,017.65 1,022.12 1,013.39 1,016.31 1,004.89 1,174.46 1,180.67 1,187.58 1,202.19 1,167.71 1,205.71 1,192.00 1,187.26 1,192.47 1,182.29 1,185.70 1,172.38 1,342.24 1,349.34 1,357.23 1,373.93 1,334.53 1,377.96 1,362.29 1,356.87 1,362.83 1,351.18 1,355.08 1,339.86 1,510.02 1,518.01 1,526.88 1,545.67 1,501.35 1,550.20 1,532.57 1,526.48 1,533.18 1,520.08 1,524.47 1,507.34 1,845.58 1,855.34 1,866.19 1,889.16 1,834.98 1,894.69 1,873.14 1,865.69 1,873.89 1,857.88 1,863.24 1,842.31 2,181.15 2,192.68 2,205.50 2,232.64 2,168.62 2,239.18 2,213.72 2,204.91 2,214.60 2,195.68 2,202.01 2,177.27 2,516.71 2,530.02 2,544.81 2,576.12 2,502.25 2,583.67 2,554.29 2,544.13 2,555.31 2,533.48 2,540.79 2,512.24 3,020.05 3,036.02 3,053.77 3,091.35 3,002.70 3,100.41 3,065.15 3,052.96 3,066.37 3,040.17 3,048.94 3,014.69 23 PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AREA 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 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 VALUATION BANDS A £ B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ 1,006.11 1,008.45 1,021.07 1,006.18 998.51 1,036.40 1,007.86 1,028.72 1,014.78 1,026.28 1,021.08 1,029.88 1,030.21 1,018.24 1,014.62 1,029.01 1,024.56 1,010.50 1,005.38 1,019.53 1,021.25 1,028.34 1,010.66 1,030.71 1,054.37 1,014.21 1,003.45 1,012.21 1,015.97 1,019.64 1,031.50 1,023.26 1,020.14 1,012.62 1,014.66 1,009.29 1,015.17 1,022.69 1,019.10 1,030.35 1,002.76 1,006.61 1,020.69 1,014.49 1,033.51 1,173.80 1,176.53 1,191.25 1,173.88 1,164.92 1,209.14 1,175.84 1,200.17 1,183.92 1,197.32 1,191.27 1,201.53 1,201.91 1,187.94 1,183.73 1,200.51 1,195.32 1,178.92 1,172.95 1,189.45 1,191.46 1,199.73 1,179.11 1,202.50 1,230.10 1,183.24 1,170.70 1,180.92 1,185.30 1,189.58 1,203.41 1,193.81 1,190.16 1,181.39 1,183.77 1,177.51 1,184.37 1,193.13 1,188.95 1,202.08 1,169.89 1,174.38 1,190.81 1,183.57 1,205.77 1,341.48 1,344.61 1,361.43 1,341.58 1,331.34 1,381.87 1,343.82 1,371.62 1,353.05 1,368.37 1,361.45 1,373.18 1,373.61 1,357.65 1,352.83 1,372.01 1,366.08 1,347.33 1,340.51 1,359.37 1,361.67 1,371.13 1,347.55 1,374.29 1,405.83 1,352.28 1,337.94 1,349.62 1,354.63 1,359.52 1,375.33 1,364.35 1,360.19 1,350.16 1,352.89 1,345.72 1,353.57 1,363.58 1,358.80 1,373.81 1,337.02 1,342.15 1,360.93 1,352.65 1,378.02 1,509.17 1,512.68 1,531.61 1,509.27 1,497.76 1,554.61 1,511.80 1,543.08 1,522.18 1,539.42 1,531.63 1,544.83 1,545.31 1,527.36 1,521.94 1,543.51 1,536.84 1,515.75 1,508.08 1,529.29 1,531.88 1,542.52 1,516.00 1,546.07 1,581.56 1,521.31 1,505.18 1,518.32 1,523.96 1,529.46 1,547.25 1,534.90 1,530.21 1,518.93 1,522.00 1,513.94 1,522.76 1,534.03 1,528.65 1,545.53 1,504.14 1,509.91 1,531.04 1,521.73 1,550.27 1,844.54 1,848.84 1,871.97 1,844.67 1,830.60 1,900.08 1,847.75 1,885.99 1,860.44 1,881.51 1,871.99 1,888.12 1,888.72 1,866.77 1,860.15 1,886.51 1,878.36 1,852.59 1,843.21 1,869.14 1,872.29 1,885.30 1,852.89 1,889.65 1,933.02 1,859.38 1,839.67 1,855.73 1,862.62 1,869.34 1,891.08 1,875.99 1,870.26 1,856.48 1,860.22 1,850.37 1,861.15 1,874.93 1,868.35 1,888.99 1,838.40 1,845.45 1,871.27 1,859.90 1,894.78 2,179.91 2,184.99 2,212.33 2,180.07 2,163.44 2,245.55 2,183.71 2,228.89 2,198.70 2,223.61 2,212.35 2,231.42 2,232.12 2,206.18 2,198.36 2,229.52 2,219.88 2,189.42 2,178.34 2,208.98 2,212.71 2,228.08 2,189.78 2,233.22 2,284.48 2,197.45 2,174.15 2,193.14 2,201.28 2,209.23 2,234.92 2,217.07 2,210.31 2,194.02 2,198.44 2,186.80 2,199.55 2,215.83 2,208.05 2,232.44 2,172.66 2,180.99 2,211.51 2,198.06 2,239.29 2,515.28 2,521.14 2,552.69 2,515.46 2,496.27 2,591.01 2,519.67 2,571.80 2,536.97 2,565.70 2,552.72 2,574.72 2,575.53 2,545.60 2,536.57 2,572.52 2,561.40 2,526.25 2,513.47 2,548.83 2,553.13 2,570.86 2,526.67 2,576.79 2,635.94 2,535.53 2,508.64 2,530.54 2,539.94 2,549.11 2,578.75 2,558.16 2,550.36 2,531.56 2,536.67 2,523.24 2,537.94 2,556.72 2,547.75 2,575.89 2,506.91 2,516.53 2,551.74 2,536.23 2,583.79 3,018.34 3,025.37 3,063.23 3,018.55 2,995.53 3,109.22 3,023.60 3,086.16 3,044.36 3,078.84 3,063.26 3,089.66 3,090.63 3,054.72 3,043.88 3,087.03 3,073.68 3,031.51 3,016.16 3,058.59 3,063.76 3,085.04 3,032.00 3,092.15 3,163.13 3,042.63 3,010.37 3,036.65 3,047.93 3,058.93 3,094.50 3,069.80 3,060.43 3,037.87 3,044.00 3,027.89 3,045.53 3,068.07 3,057.30 3,091.07 3,008.29 3,019.83 3,062.09 3,043.47 3,100.55 24 PART OF THE COUNCIL’S AREA VALUATION BANDS A £ Trunch Tunstead Upper Sheringham Walcott Walsingham Warham Wells-next-theSea Weybourne Wickmere Wighton Witton Wiveton Wood Norton Worstead All Other Parts of the Council's Area B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ 1,028.88 1,200.36 1,371.84 1,543.32 1,886.28 2,229.24 2,572.20 3,086.64 1,010.53 1,178.95 1,347.38 1,515.80 1,852.65 2,189.49 2,526.34 3,031.61 1,032.31 1,016.92 1,033.74 1,038.60 1,204.36 1,186.40 1,206.03 1,211.70 1,376.41 1,355.89 1,378.32 1,384.81 1,548.47 1,525.38 1,550.61 1,557.91 1,892.57 1,864.35 1,895.19 1,904.11 2,236.68 2,203.32 2,239.77 2,250.31 2,580.78 2,542.30 2,584.35 2,596.52 3,096.94 3,050.76 3,101.23 3,115.82 1,035.46 1,027.37 1,037.21 1,017.55 1,000.56 1,029.17 1,012.50 1,012.93 1,208.03 1,198.60 1,210.08 1,187.14 1,167.32 1,200.70 1,181.26 1,181.76 1,380.61 1,369.82 1,382.95 1,356.73 1,334.08 1,372.23 1,350.01 1,350.58 1,553.19 1,541.05 1,555.82 1,526.32 1,500.84 1,543.76 1,518.76 1,519.40 1,898.34 1,883.51 1,901.56 1,865.51 1,834.36 1,886.82 1,856.26 1,857.05 2,243.50 2,225.97 2,247.30 2,204.69 2,167.88 2,229.88 2,193.76 2,194.70 2,588.65 2,568.43 2,593.04 2,543.88 2,501.40 2,572.94 2,531.27 2,532.34 3,106.38 3,082.11 3,111.65 3,052.65 3,001.68 3,087.52 3,037.52 3,038.81 995.16 1,161.02 1,326.88 1,492.74 1,824.46 2,156.18 2,487.90 2,985.48 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 2014/15, and therefore within the 2.0% 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 2015/16 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 2015/16 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. By maintaining the council tax at the same level as 2014/15, the Council will receive a council tax freeze grant of £57,912. This will not be payable if members decide to set a higher level of council tax. The Council will be required to hold a referendum if it decides to increase its council tax by 2.0% or more. 5.2 The overall budget for 2015/16 is balanced and delivers a surplus of £462,329 which has been transferred to the General Reserve and Restructuring/Invest to Save 25 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. 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 2015/16 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 2015/16 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. 26 Appendix A General Fund Summary 2015/16 Base Budget Service Area Assets & Leisure Corporate Leadership Team/Corporate Customer Services & ICT Community & Economic Development Environmental Health Finance Organisational Development Planning Business Transformation Net Cost of Services 2014/15 Updated Budget 1 2014/15 Base Budget £ 2,376,094 0 721,046 7,932,005 4,144,772 3,083,806 955,462 1,346,891 0 20,560,076 2,621,373 26,436 786,297 8,216,823 4,150,572 3,062,118 954,522 1,350,200 0 21,168,341 2015/16 Base Budget £ 2,229,553 0 612,761 5,676,831 3,867,714 3,044,050 948,221 1,446,866 0 17,825,996 2016/17 Projection £ 2,252,481 0 617,397 2,592,786 3,846,185 3,072,170 864,209 1,482,714 (144,000) 14,583,942 2017/18 Projection £ 2,277,102 0 619,626 3,694,510 4,065,783 3,077,672 867,624 1,494,616 (271,000) 15,825,933 2018/19 Projection £ 2,294,790 0 623,048 2,648,258 4,083,090 3,093,387 871,136 1,511,913 (375,000) 14,750,622 Parish Precepts (Estimate from 15/16 onwards) Capital Charges Reffcus Interest Receivable Minimum Revenue Provision Revenue Financing for Capital IAS 19 Pension Adjustment 1,635,884 (2,135,334) (5,564,241) (363,710) 0 420,950 265,787 1,635,884 (2,135,334) (5,564,241) (332,490) 0 706,853 265,787 1,760,520 (2,096,742) (3,533,954) (426,390) 56,000 90,800 289,815 1,810,000 (2,342,387) (33,954) (436,070) 56,000 0 268,710 1,810,000 (2,421,180) (1,054,890) (450,330) 56,000 0 268,710 1,810,000 (2,394,001) 0 (425,430) 56,000 0 268,710 Net Operating Expenditure 14,819,412 15,744,800 13,966,045 13,906,241 14,034,243 14,065,901 39,658 0 (50,000) (332,585) 0 0 0 0 30,000 (60,000) 0 0 0 (5,005) 197,651 0 (19,020) (72,839) (115,000) 0 0 (591,011) 551,613 (343,624) (14,279) (50,000) (620,119) 1,000,000 357,000 (243,167) (49,569) 14,940 (4,365) (45,000) (189,622) (15,000) (5,005) (186,660) (81,547) (85,634) (102,377) (198,350) (9,467) 0 (123,081) 0 74,126 0 0 (10,000) 0 (187,855) 0 0 (60,000) (36,516) 0 (25,998) 0 0 329,432 0 0 (89,340) 114,759 0 0 0 260,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30,000 0 0 (6,500) 0 0 445,113 0 (18,126) (84,263) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30,000 0 0 0 0 0 451,613 0 (44,108) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30,000 0 0 0 0 0 446,384 0 (44,108) 0 0 0 0 0 0 Amount to be met from Government Grant and Local Taxpayers 14,392,874 14,749,874 14,334,653 14,272,465 14,471,748 14,498,177 Collection Fund – Parishes Collection Fund – District Retained Business Rates 2 Revenue Support Grant Council Tax Freeze (2014/15) Council Tax Freeze (2015/16) New Homes bonus Rural Services Delivery 2014/15 Top-up (Section 31 Grant) (1,635,884) (5,205,386) (2,873,112) (3,331,376) (57,969) 0 (1,277,202) (11,945) (1,635,884) (5,205,386) (3,230,112) (3,331,376) (57,969) 0 (1,277,202) (11,945) (1,760,520) (5,307,073) (3,121,466) (2,403,933) 0 (57,912) (1,683,749) 0 (1,810,000) (5,268,094) (3,431,699) (1,582,921) 0 0 (1,915,214) 0 (1,810,000) (5,265,694) (3,454,510) (1,092,215) 0 0 (1,806,452) 0 (1,810,000) (5,276,605) (3,627,619) (753,629) 0 0 (1,785,536) 0 (14,392,874) (14,749,874) (14,334,653) (14,007,928) (13,428,871) (13,253,389) 0 0 0 264,537 1,042,877 1,244,788 Contributions to/(from) Earmarked Reserves: Capital Projects Reserve Asset Management Benefits Big Society Fund Broadband Business Rates Reserve Coast Protection Common Training Elections Enforcement Board Environmental Health Grants Housing Legal New Homes Bonus Reserve Organisational Development Pathfinder Planning Revenue Restructuring/Invest to save 3 Sports Facilities Unspent Grants Use of General Reserve Contribution to the General Reserve 3 Income from Government Grant and Taxpayers (Surplus)/Deficit 1 Updated 14/15 Budget assumes that additional Business rates of £357k is received and transferred to the Business Rates reserve and that £98k of forecast favourable service variances have been assumed and taken to General Reserve. 2 The Retained Business Rates takes account of the Section 31 Grants, Levy payment and baseline funding. 3 The position shown reflects the recommendation of allocating the budgeted surplus of £462,329 to the general reserve (£260,000) and restructuring/invest to save reserve (£202,329) in 2015/16. M:\Accountancy\Shared Information\BUDGET\2015-16\Full Council Feb 2015\Apx A GFSummary 1516 Base final 27 Appendix B Policy Framework for the Earmarked Reserves and Assessing the Optimum Level of the General Reserve for the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 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 2015 28 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 2015 29 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 2015/16 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 2015 30 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 46,000 46,000 46,000 46,000 36,000 36,000 36,000 36,000 51,200 54,600 54,900 54,900 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 173,000 173,000 173,000 173,000 Appendix B Item 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 increase or reduction in expenditure or income) 7 Cash Flow (it is felt that in relation to the new statutory obligations in paying set amounts to the major preceptors and central government as part of the new funding arrangements, an amount needs to be included for the impact on the short term cash flow needs) 8 Future Funding Fluctuations (due to the changes in the future funding regime an allowance should be made within the general reserve 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) 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 635,000 635,000 635,000 635,000 1,741,200 1,744,600 1,744,900 1,744,900 14.3% 14.4% 14.3% 14.2% 2,060,065 2,060,065 2,060,065 2,060,065 16.9% 17.0% 16.9% 16.8% 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 it is recommended that the level of the general reserve should remain at £1.75 million. The budgeted General Fund Reserve shown in Appendix C is considered adequate for the period 2015/16 to 2018/19; 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 2015 31 Appendix C Reserves Statement 2015/16 Onwards Reserve Purpose and Use of Reserve Balance at 1/4/2014 £ General Fund General Reserve A working balance and contingency, current recommended balance is £1.75 million. 2014/15 Updated Budget Movement £ Balance at 01/04/15 2015/16 Budgeted Movement Balance 01/04/16 2016/17 Budgeted Movement Balance 01/04/17 £ £ £ £ £ Budgeted Balance Movement 01/04/18 2017/18 £ £ Budgeted Movement 2018/19 Balance 01/04/19 £ £ 1,923,146 (123,081) 1,800,065 260,000 2,060,065 0 2,060,065 0 2,060,065 0 2,060,065 Earmarked Reserves: Capital Projects To provide funding for capital developments and purchase of major assets. This includes the VAT Shelter Receipt. 1,881,280 (343,624) 1,537,656 74,126 1,611,782 0 1,611,782 0 1,611,782 0 1,611,782 Asset Management To support improvements to our existing assets as identified through the Asset Management Plan. 47,427 (14,279) 33,148 0 33,148 0 33,148 0 33,148 0 33,148 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 (50,000) 671,792 0 671,792 0 671,792 0 671,792 0 671,792 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. 969,927 (620,119) 349,808 (10,000) 339,808 0 339,808 0 339,808 0 339,808 Broadband Earmarks £1million for superfast broad band in North Norfolk. (£600k was transferred from the BSF Reserve and £400k from the NHB Reserve) 0 1,000,000 1,000,000 0 1,000,000 0 1,000,000 0 1,000,000 0 1,000,000 Building Control Building Control surplus 45,688 0 45,688 0 45,688 0 45,688 0 45,688 0 45,688 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. 327,239 357,000 684,239 (187,855) 496,384 0 496,384 0 496,384 0 496,384 Coast Protection To support the ongoing coast protection maintenance programme ands carry forward funding between financial years. 243,167 (243,167) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 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. 77,019 (49,569) 27,450 0 27,450 0 27,450 0 27,450 0 27,450 Economic Development and Tourism Earmarked from previous underspends within Economic Development and Tourism Budgets along with funding earmarked for Learning for Everyone. 13,248 0 13,248 0 13,248 0 13,248 0 13,248 0 13,248 Election Reserve Established to meet costs associated with district council elections, to smooth the impact between financial years. 75,060 14,940 90,000 (60,000) 30,000 30,000 60,000 30,000 90,000 30,000 120,000 146,967 (4,365) 142,602 (36,516) 106,086 0 106,086 0 106,086 0 106,086 Established to meet costs associated with district council Enforcement Works enforcement works including buildings at risk, pending recovery. 32 Appendix C Reserves Statement 2015/16 Onwards Balance at 1/4/2014 2014/15 Updated Budget Movement £ Balance at 01/04/15 2015/16 Budgeted Movement Balance 01/04/16 2016/17 Budgeted Movement Balance 01/04/17 £ £ £ £ £ Budgeted Balance Movement 01/04/18 2017/18 Budgeted Movement 2018/19 Balance 01/04/19 £ £ Reserve Purpose and Use of Reserve Environmental Health Earmarking of previous underspends and additional income to meet Environmental Health initiatives. 66,567 (45,000) 21,567 0 21,567 0 21,567 0 21,567 0 21,567 Grants Revenue Grants received and due to timing issues not used in the year. 237,727 (189,622) 48,105 (25,998) 22,107 (6,500) 15,607 0 15,607 0 15,607 Housing Previously earmarked for stock condition survey and housing needs assessment. 100,000 (15,000) 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. 39,899 0 39,899 0 39,899 0 39,899 0 39,899 0 39,899 Legal One off funding for Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) work and East Law Surplus. 48,600 (5,005) 43,595 0 43,595 0 43,595 0 43,595 0 43,595 Local Strategic Partnership Earmarked underspends on the LSP for outstanding commitments and liabilities. 51,728 0 51,728 0 51,728 0 51,728 0 51,728 0 51,728 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.* 1,286,885 (186,660) 1,100,225 329,432 1,429,657 445,113 1,874,770 451,613 2,326,383 446,384 2,772,767 Organisational Development To provide funding for organisation development to create capacity within the organisation and address anomalies within the pay structure. 107,695 (81,547) 26,148 0 26,148 0 26,148 0 26,148 0 26,148 Pathfinder To help Coastal Communities adapt to coastal changes. 239,775 (85,634) 154,141 0 154,141 (18,126) 136,015 (44,108) 91,907 (44,108) 47,799 Planning Additional Planning income earmarked for Planning initiatives including Plan Review. 300,550 (102,377) 198,173 (89,340) 108,833 (84,263) 24,570 0 24,570 0 24,570 Regeneration Projects Carry forward of underspends relating to Regeneration Projects. 37,837 0 37,837 0 37,837 0 37,837 0 37,837 0 37,837 Restructuring & Invest to Save Proposals To fund one-off redundancy and pension strain costs and invest to save initiatives including costs in relation to the Business Transformation Project. 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. 923,299 (198,350) 724,949 114,759 839,708 0 839,708 0 839,708 0 839,708 30,272 (9,467) 20,805 0 20,805 0 20,805 0 20,805 0 20,805 10,443,862 (994,926) 9,448,936 368,608 9,817,544 366,224 10,183,768 437,505 10,621,273 432,276 11,053,549 £ Sports Hall To support renewals for sports hall equipment. Amount Equipment & Sports transferred in the year represents over or under achievement of income target. Facilities Total Reserves 33 £ £ Agenda Item No____13________ Pay Report covering the Pay Policy Statement 2015/16 and the Living Wage Recommendations from the Joint Staff Consultative Committee Summary: a) Pay Policy Statement: 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 2015/16. 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. b) Living Wage Recommendations: The Joint Staff Consultative Committee (JSCC) put forward a number of recommendations regarding payment of the Living Wage as a supplement to relevant posts and the removal of grade 13 (lowest paid grade for staff). Conclusions: The attached statement sets out current remuneration arrangements for officers and outlines the recommendations put forward by JSCC in respect of the Living Wage. Recommendations: 1) To adopt the attached Pay Policy Statement and to publish the statement for 2015/16 on the Council‟s website. 2) To consider the recommendations from the Joint Staff Consultative Committee:2.1) To pay the current Living Wage rate as a supplement to affected posts from 1st January 2015 (not including Apprentices) and to review this payment on an annual basis 2.2) To remove Grade 13 from the Council's pay scales for staff Cabinet Member(s) Ward(s) affected Councillor Tom FitzPatrick All Contact Officer, telephone number and email:Julie Cooke, 01263 516040 julie.cooke@north-norfolk.gov.uk 34 1. Introduction (Pay Policy Statement) 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: 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 3.1 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. 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 An updated report on the Living Wage went to JSCC on 8 December 2014 setting out the background and current position in relation to discussions as to whether or not the Council should be looking to adopt the Living Wage for staff paid below that level. 35 3.2 As a result of that report, JSCC made the following recommendations and Full Council is asked to consider them:a) To pay the current Living Wage rate as a supplement to affected posts from 1st January 2015 (not including Apprentices) and to review this payment on an annual basis b) To remove Grade 13 from the Council's pay scales for staff 3.3 4 JSCC did not recommend formal accreditation as a Living Wage Employer at this stage. Accreditation as a Living Wage Employer would require changes to the Council‟s procurement policies and the Council would be required to work with the Living Wage Foundation to set achievable milestones for applying the Living Wage across Council contracts. 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 2015/16. 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 Any financial implications relevant to national pay awards have been factored into the budget for 2015/16. 5.2 In the report to JSCC, the cost implications of applying a supplement to the posts currently paid below the Living Wage was circa £2,000. This figure includes on-costs but does not include the apprentices or any additional staff who may be appointed on scp‟s 5-10 on an ongoing basis. There would also be a cost if the Council wanted to be accredited as a Living Wage employer. 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. 36 PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2015/16 Context 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. 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. 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). Policies 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 Policies 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. 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. 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. This policy statement was considered by Full Council on 25 February 2015. It is available on the Council‟s website. The Council‟s website also includes separately published data on salary information relating to Senior Officers and this can be viewed at http://www.northnorfolk.org/council/8104.asp 37 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. Remunerating Chief Officers/Deputy Chief Officers The remuneration for Chief Officers/Deputy Chief Officers within the Council can be found at Appendices A, B, C, E and F. 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. Remunerating the Lowest Paid in the Workforce 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) 5. This relates to an annual salary of £13,500 (full time equivalent (FTE) and can be expressed as an hourly rate of pay of £6.9974 as at 31 March 2015. 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. The Council employs a number of apprentices and the salary for these staff complies with the National Minimum Wage. The Relationship between Chief Officer Remuneration and that of other employees The highest paid salary in the Council is that of the Chief Executive at £99,771 as at 31 March 2015. 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 high-quality employees but not be seen as excessive. Other Aspects of Chief Officer Remuneration 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. 38 Pay Awards 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 5-13. Tax Avoidance 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. Re-engagement of ex North Norfolk District Council staff within the scope of this policy 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. Review 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 2016. As necessary, the Council may by resolution amend the pay policy statement at times other than that of the prescribed annual statement. 39 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 for any increased duties and responsibilities do not apply Market/Salary Supplements A salary/market supplement has not been applied to this post Car allowances are paid in accordance with the rates set out in Council‟s Travel Policy (see Appendix D) Election Fees As the Returning Officer (RO), the Chief Executive will receive a fee, locally in respect of County, District and Parish Elections. The fee for undertaking this role in Norfolk is determined by an independent panel made up of the Chairs of Norfolk Local Authority Member Remuneration Panels. Fees for conducting Parliamentary and European Parliamentary Elections, National Referendums and other Elections such as for the Police and Crime Commissioner. etc. are determined by Government. The RO is a separate appointment and therefore not factored into the salary range shown.The fees will be published on the Council‟s website (once agreed). As above (where applicable) Severance Arrangements The Council‟s normal policies regarding redundancy and early/flexible retirement apply to the postholder Corporate Directors x 2 Head of Finance/s151 Officer 2 As above As above As above As above As above 4 As above As above £4553 pa (s151 responsibilities) As above (where applicable) As above Head of Planning 4 As above As above Could be applied where appropriate on authorisation of Corporate Leadership Team As above As above (where applicable) As above Head of Service x 5 4 As above As above As above £4553 pa (specialist delegated responsibilities) Could be applied where appropriate on authorisation of Corporate Leadership Team As above (where applicable) As above Appendix A 40 Appendix B Aspect of Chief Officer Remuneration Recruitment Council Policy 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). 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. Where the Council is unable to recruit to a post at its designated grade, it will consider the use of temporary market supplements. Access to appropriate elements of the Council‟s relocation Scheme may also be granted in certain circumstances, when new starters move to the area. Pay Increases 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. Additions to Pay This applies to all employees. The Council would not make additional payments beyond those specified in the terms and conditions of employment. Professional Subscriptions This applies to all employees. These are payable where they are required for the post and should be limited to one subscription per Officer. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) (includes access to advice and counselling) Contract for Services Redundancy and payments on termination Pension contribution rates 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 will, 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 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. 41 Salary grades for Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers (2015) Appendix C Grade 1 (Chief Executive) Annual SCP Amount 300 301 97,680.00 99,771.00 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 The pay award has been agreed for Chief Officer grades (4-2) above (with effect from 1 January 2015) but no award has yet been agreed for Chief Executives (grade 1) at the time of this report. 42 Appendix D Pay scales for grades 13 - 5 (Effective from 1 January 2015) Grade Grade 13 Grade 12 Grade 11 Grade 10 Grade 9 SCP 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Salary 13,500 13,614 13,715 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 8 Grade 7 Grade 6 Grade 5 43 SCP 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Salary 24,472 25,440 26,293 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 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. 44 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. 45 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 46 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 47 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 48 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. 49 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) 50 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 51 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. 52 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. 53