Agenda and minutes

Tributes were paid to former Councillors John O’Shea and Bill Milne, who had recently died, and a minute’s silence was held in their memory.

Agreed.

Councillor W F L Barns was appointed to serve on the Registered Social Landlord Forum.

Endorsed the actions taken to improve security as requested by the petitioners.

Noted and endorsed the actions already taken/proposed by the Council and the Police to address the issues raised by the petitioners.

Presentation on the work of the Drugs and Alcohol Action Team by Cathryn Williams, Head of Business and Performance, Social Services Department

Received a presentation on the work of the Drugs and Alcohol Action Team, which highlighted the fact that services are now more accessible and successful and outlined the work being undertaken with young people.

Including a recommendation on the Procurement Best Value Review

Noted the findings of the Procurement Best Value Review and agreed the Improvement Plan.

Councillor Justice raised issues regarding the sound system and seating in the Chamber in relation to the Assembly meeting.  Councillor Fairbrass responded that the difficulties with the sound system were being addressed and emphasised that this was only a temporary arrangement until the refurbishment of the Town Hall in Barking was completed.

Noted.

Noted

Noted.

Noted.

Received the report of the Director of Finance advising on the Council’s budget position and Council Tax for 2004 / 2005, the adoption of a medium Term Financial Strategy and a Capital Programme.

Agreed:

A  The Budget 2004 / 2005

1.  That it be noted that at its meeting on 13 January 2004 the Executive calculated the amount of 51,055.3 as its Council Tax Base for the year 2004 / 2005 in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

2.  That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2004/2005 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992:

(f)  Valuation Bands

being the amounts given by multiplying the amount at 2(e) 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.

3.  That it be noted that for the year 2004 /  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

Received the report of the Director of Finance seeking to set the authorised borrowing limit for 2004 / 2005 and the Annual Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators.

Agreed:

1. An authorised borrowing limit of £5 million for 2004 / 2005;

2. The annual Treasury Strategy Statement for 2004 / 05;

3.  The annual Investment Strategy for 2004 / 05 (sections 5 and 6 of the report and

4. The Prudential Indicators for 2004 / 2005.

Calendar to be circulated separately

Approved the content of the draft Calendar.