The Policy and Finance Committee of Ribble Valley Council met on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, to discuss various financial strategies, grant allocations, and updates on ongoing projects. Key decisions included the approval of voluntary organisation grants, the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, and the allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Voluntary Organisation Grants 2024/25

The committee approved the allocation of voluntary organisation grants totalling £68,100 to thirteen applicants. Notable grants included £15,000 to Citizens Advice East Lancashire, £12,000 to Little Green Bus Ltd, and £4,000 to The Foundation for Ribble Valley Families, each with specific conditions to enhance service delivery and awareness. The committee also supported a review of the grant scheme to be presented at a future meeting.

Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2024/25 to 2028/29

The committee approved the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for the period 2024/25 to 2028/29. This key financial planning document aims to ensure the council's spending plans are affordable over the medium term, despite uncertainties beyond the financial year 2024/25.

Capital and Treasury Management Strategy

The committee recommended the Capital and Treasury Management Strategy for the 2024/25 financial year to the council. This strategy consolidates previously approved budget elements into a single document.

Treasury Management Policies and Practices

The committee reviewed, approved, and adopted the Treasury Management Policies and Practices document for 2024/25, which complies with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code.

Review of Financial Regulations and Contract Procedure Rules

The committee recommended the acceptance of reviewed Financial Regulations and Contract Procedure Rules to the council. Changes included clarifications on virement approvals and updates to post titles and Public Contracts Regulations thresholds.

Local Taxation Write-Offs

The committee approved the write-off of £36,118.31 in business rates debt for a dissolved business.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

The committee discussed the allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for various projects, including Clitheroe Market and Longridge Pump Track. They agreed to increase the allocation for Clitheroe Market to £150,000 and approved an exemption to the council’s Contract Procedure Rules for the Pump Track project.

Household Support Fund

The committee approved prioritising eligible applicants from the previous round of the Household Support Fund who did not receive vouchers due to insufficient funding, subject to sufficient funding from Lancashire County Council.

Returning Officers’ Scale of Fees 2024/25 – Borough and Parish Elections

The committee agreed to adopt the Returning Officer’s Scale of Fees for 2024/25 and requested a report on the costs of running Parish Council Elections for future consideration.

Review of Standing Orders

The committee approved minor amendments to the council’s Standing Orders and recommended these changes to the council for approval.

Draft Committee Cycle 2024-25

The committee approved the draft meeting cycle for the municipal year 2024/25, to be ratified at the Annual Meeting on 14 May 2024.

Approval and Adoption of the Corporate Plan 2023-2027

The committee approved the Corporate Plan 2023-2027 and its associated Technical Appendix, subject to minor amendments.

References from Committees

The committee approved additional capital programme schemes, including a replacement vehicle wash at Salthill Depot and the continuation of the First Time Buyers Energy Efficiency grant scheme.

Revenues and Benefits General Report

The committee was informed of the debts outstanding for business rates, council tax, and sundry debtors, and noted the satisfactory performance of the Housing Benefit Section.

Prevent Duty and Community Safety Partnership Update

The committee received updates on the council’s Prevent Duty and the activities of the Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership.

Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)

The committee approved in principle several schemes from the council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund allocation, subject to further clarifications and delegations to the Director of Economic Development and Planning.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.