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Matter for
Decision
The Officer’s report looked at aspects of delegated powers
to officers to make decisions about finance, human resources and property matters.
It proposed some changes to finance delegations and to powers to buy and sell
some property.
Decision
of Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources
i.
Decided Civic
Affairs and Council should be asked to review virement
limits (as set out in para 3.2 of the Officer’s report).
ii.
Approved the
proposed changes to the levels at which officers can write off bad debts (as
amended in minutes below).
iii.
Approved the
proposed changes to the levels at which officers can waive or reduce charges
(report para 3.4).
Decision of the Leader
That the Executive Councillor for Housing will have in
future responsibility for decisions on: "the freehold or leasehold
disposal and the terms for disposal, of Right to Buy dwellings sold under the
Housing Act 1985, properties in shared equity schemes and other land or
property held for housing purposes or for the provision of facilities and
amenities for local residents or tenants".
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny
Considerations
The Committee received a report from the Head of Legal Services. He
tabled an amended version of the table on agenda page 266 showing the proposed
delegation of writing off bad debts.
In response to the report Councillors said a quick decision making
process was required, albeit with appropriate checks and balances.
Councillors requested a change to the
delegations referenced in the recommendations. Councillor
Cantrill formally proposed to amend the delegations from the Officer’s report
(shown in white text) so they were equal between HRA and other debt types:
HRA Debt |
Business Rates, Council Tax and Housing Benefit. |
Other Debts |
Decision-maker |
Up to £2,500 |
Up to £2,500 |
Up to £2,500 |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Up to £10,000 |
Over £2,500 to £25,000 |
Up to £25,000 |
Head of Finance |
Over £10,000 and up to £25,000 |
Over £10,000 and up to £25,000 |
Over £10,000 and up to £25,000 |
Head of Finance in consultation with Executive Councillor for Housing |
Over £25,000 |
Over £25,000 |
Over £25,000 |
Scrutiny Committee (Housing) and Executive
Councillor |
Over £25,000 |
Over £25,000 |
Over £25,000 |
Scrutiny Committee and Executive Councillor for
Finance and Resources) |
The Committee approved this amendment nem con.
The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations as
amended.
The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources approved his
recommendations at the meeting. The Leader approved his recommendation by email
after the meeting.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor
(and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest
were declared by the Executive Councillor.