AT THE FORMER NATWEST BUILDING, ST THOMAS’ SQUARE
Members Present: Cllr Malcolm Ross, Cllr Phil Jordan (Chair), Cllr Simon Cooke, Cllr Richard May, Cllr Jo Elliott
Also in Attendance: Tara Bloomfield (Responsible Financial Officer), Robert Clark (Finance Assistant), Lisa Dyer (Clerk), Allan Bridges (Deputy Clerk)
Members of the Public - 5
Public & Members Questions
Two members of the public ask how the council intends to improve the number of budget consultations received as the number for this years’ consultation was only 77. They further commented that they disagreed with the requirement to have to provide an email address and felt that this had put off residents responding. It was also suggested that the council should consider reinstating the in person open budget consultation evenings.
The RFO explained that there had been several social media posts promoting the consultation, as well as posters with QR codes throughout the town and paper copies were available in the library for those without internet access. An email address was required to stop respondents being able to submit their answers multiple times, which is an issue that RTC has seen before.
Another member of the public asks if the budgeted revenue figures for Ryde Marina are too optimistic given the past years trading. The RFO clarified that the figures are as they should be and that now the Marina has the electricity installed, the marketing team have been working on a strategy to enhance the revenue for the Marina in the coming year. The RFO reminded the public that the Marina visitor revenue is highly dependent on the weather which in recent years has been dismal.
Finally, a query was raised regarding the delivery of the Ryde Guide, as there are areas in the town which have not received a copy. It was explained that the Community Development Officer is aware of the issue and is extremely disappointed with the delivery service that had been provided by a third party and would not be using this service in the future.
Apologies were received by Cllr Jess Higgins, Cllr Michael Lilley, Cllr Georgie Carter and Cllr Charles Chapman
None declared.
None requested.
None
The minutes of the meeting held on 12th November 2024 were reviewed.
RESOLVED:
The list of payments for the period 01/10/2024-31/12/2024 were presented and approved.
The bank reconciliations for the periods ending 31/10/2024 30/11/2024 & 31/12/2024 were presented and approved.
The committee were presented with a list of the councils’ current contracts database for review and recommendation to Full Council.
RESOLVED:
The committee were presented with a list of the councils’ up to date fixed asset register for review and recommendation to Full Council.
RESOLVED:
The committee were presented with a list of the councils’ financial risk register for review and recommendation to Full Council.
RESOLVED:
Members were presented with the recommendations from the Finance Sub-committee for grant awards to consideration in the 2025/26 budget.
Members were presented with the recommendations from the Community Planning committee which proposed the following financial commitments to be considered in the 2025/26 budget:
The committee received an updated budget monitor and year end forecast report for noting.
Members were given a report containing the results of the 2025/26 public budget consultation to consider when reviewing the budget proposal.
The RFO spoke to members of the committee about the two budget papers that had been prepared, explaining that budget one maintains the councils services at the current levels but would require a large precept increase in order to protect the council financially, and budget two demonstrates some revisions and reductions in services the council provides allowing a more affordable precept increase for residents.
The RFO then explained that this had been an extremely challenging budget setting process due to the increased employer national insurance costs for both the council directly and for contractors, resulting in price increases.
Cllr Elliott asked if there was an alternative to reducing the Christmas lighting throughout the town as it helps boost residents’ spirits in the winter months. The RFO explained that having the motif lighting on the lampposts throughout the town costs £24,000 a year and this is an area that we could make a significant saving. The RFO and Clerk have implemented a spending freeze for the remainder of the 2024/25 financial year to try to achieve a stronger brought forward reserves position. If a higher level of brought forward reserves are achieved, then the council could look at alternatives lighting options in the town. Trees with lights would remain in key areas.
Cllr May raised a question regarding the proposed reduction to the contribution of the IWC run Ryde Help centre based in the library which would see the service go from 3 days to 1 day per week. The RFO explained that if councillors supported keeping the contribution for 3 days per week, then a budget amendment could be put forward at the Full Council meeting on the 4th February 2025.
RESOLVED:
In view of the confidential nature of the business to be discussed members were advised that it was in the public interest that the public and press be excluded for the following two items, and they were instructed to withdraw – in accordance with Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 S1 (2). After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
Members discussed and considered the following item regarding Vectis Hall:
To approve an emergency contract waiver and/or emergency works at Vectis Hall.
RESOLVED:
The next meeting would be held on 4th March 2025.