To confirm the Minutes of the meetings held on 15th September, 2020 and 29th September, 2020 (copies attached).

The Minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 15th September, 2020 and 29th September, 2020 were confirmed.

The Cabinet wished to place on record its congratulations to Karen Edwards, Executive Director, who had been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020 in recognition of her services to the community during the Coronavirus pandemic.

To consider Report No. FIN2029 (copy attached), which sets out the budgetary framework to support the preparation of the 2021/22 budget.

The Cabinet considered Report No. FIN2029, which set out the budgetary framework to support the preparation of the Council’s 2021/22 budget.

The Cabinet was informed that Covid-19 had had a significant impact on the Council’s financial position in 2020/21 and was likely to continue to have an impact on the Council's finances in 2021/22 and beyond. The Report set out the Council’s current financial position and proposed a strategy for addressing the projected core budget deficit highlighted in the Medium Term Financial Strategy, which had been published in February, 2020. Members heard that the strategy would also consider options to mitigate the impact from Covid-19. The main pressures on the revenue budget in the current year were due to a shortfall in income from sales, fees and charges, in particular car parking income, planning fees and income from the Princes Hall. It was confirmed that the shortfall in the Council’s finances would be funded from reserves in the short term. The Council would need to take steps to mitigate the pressure on the revenue budget for 2021/22 and would look at controlling expenditure and continuing to act in a commercial way to improve the Council’s net budget position.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           the Budget Strategy 2021/22, as set out in Section 5 of Report No. FIN2029, be approved; and

(ii)          the impact from Covid-19 on the financial planning process and associated risks and uncertainties, as set out in Section 7 of the Report, be noted.

To consider Report No. FIN2026 (copy attached), which gives details of two applications for discretionary rate relief.

The Cabinet considered Report No. FIN2026, which set out details of applications for rate relief from The Source Young People’s Charity (Suite No.2, Quarter Masters Stores, Browning Barracks, Alison’s Road, Aldershot) and WSX Developments Limited (St. Anne’s House / Mandora, Louise Margaret Road, Aldershot).

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)            20% discretionary relief be awarded to The Source Young People’s Charity until 31st March, 2022; and

(ii)          50% discretionary relief be awarded to WSX Developments from 1st April, 2017 to 31st March, 2020.