Policy And Resources Committee - 10/11/2003

At a MEETING of the FINANCE COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 10th November, 2003.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor George Regan, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 20th October, 2003 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I CAPITAL MONITORING

After considering Report No 700-2003 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) advising members of the latest position regarding the Council's expenditure programme for 2003/2004, the Committee noted the contents of the report.

II REVENUE MONITORING

There was submitted Report No 708-2003 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) providing the Committee with analysis of the 2003/04 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30th September, 2003 monitored against the adjusted 2003/04 Revenue Budget.

The Committee:

a. noted that the overall General Fund 2003/04 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30 September, 2003 showed an overspend of 31,000 against the adjusted 2003/04 Revenue Budget;

b. noted that the Housing Revenue Account Projected Outturn was in line with the adjusted 2003/2004 Revenue Budget;

c. agreed that the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) would take every reasonable action to ensure that the 2003/04 Revenue expenditure was in line with the adjusted Revenue Budget;

d. instructed the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) in conjunction with all Chief Officers of the Council to continue to monitor the Council's 2003/04 Projected Revenue Outturn.

III RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

There was submitted Report No 703-2003 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the undernoted non-domestic properties.

The Committee approved accordingly.

IV CITY COUNCIL'S RESPONSE TO THE LATE PAYMENT OF COMMERCIAL DEBTS (SCOTLAND)REGULATIONS 2002

There was submitted Report No 723-2003 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) relative to the above regulations.

The Committee:

a. noted the provisions of the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Scotland) Regulations 2002;

b. noted that the Council's policies in respect of the payment of its creditors were consistent with ensuring the timely payment of creditors in line with the new legislation;

c. approved the policy of applying the statutory interest rate and compensation for commercial debts due to the Council which were not paid within 30 days and noted that the policy would only apply to businesses being limited companies, partnerships and individuals operating as businesses.

V SCHEME OF ALLOWANCES PAYABLE TO ELECTED MEMBERS

There was submitted Report No 478-2003 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) setting out revisions to the Scheme of Allowances for elected members.

Councillor Regan, seconded by Councillor Morrow, moved the following amendments to the Members' Scheme of Allowances 2001 with effect from the date of this meeting.

"a. increase the existing car mileage rate for travel within Scotland in respect of vehicles exceeding 1199cc from 30p to 40p per mile to reflect the approved Inland Revenue rate. The adoption of this rate would ensure that there was no taxable profit or loss on mileage allowance paid. Increase the rates for vehicles not exceeding 999cc and 1199cc from 30p to 35.9p and 39.9p respectively (as per Scottish Executive maximum rates);

b. in respect of travel outwith Scotland, increase the rate from 14.9p per mile to 16.9p per mile, in accordance with the Scottish Executive approved rate;

c. changes to the guidelines for payment of subsistence for visits abroad as set out in paragraph 13.7 of this report. This change clarifies that the 40 general allowance for out of pocket expenses is payable per 24 hour period or, in proportion to part thereof;

d. that when elected members are required to take flights in excess of six hours duration, they may travel Business Class."

As an amendment Councillor Fitzpatrick, seconded by Councillor Beattie, moved the rejection of proposals (a), (b), and (d) and acceptance of (c). it being noted that this would freeze the Scheme of Allowances at their present level.

On a division there voted for the motion - Lord Provost Letford, Bailies Farquhar, Wright and Powrie, Councillors Regan, Shimi, Keenan, Sturrock, Grant, Hind, Morrow, Macpherson and Dick (13); and for the amendment - Bailies Corrigan and Borthwick, Councillors Don, Duncan, Beattie, Andrew Dawson, Sawers, Fitzpatrick, Will Dawson, Fordyce, Webster and Scott (12) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

VI COUNCIL TAX AND COMMUNITY CHARGE COLLECTION

There was submitted Report No 737-2003 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) appraising members of the City Council's current and historic performance on Council Tax and Community Charge collection and the recent action taken to improve this performance.

The Committee noted the contents of the Report.

GEORGE REGAN, Convener