Strategic Policy and Resources Committee 25 January 2008
From Nigov
Strategic Policy and Resources Committee Friday, 25th January, 2008
Contents |
MEETING OF STRATEGIC POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Members present
Councillor D. Dodds (Chairman); and Councillors Adamson, D. Browne, M. Browne, W. Browne, Convery, Crozier, Hanna, Hartley, Kirkpatrick, Lavery, Maginness, A. Maskey, P. Maskey, McCann, Newton, Rodway, Smyth and Stoker.
In attendance
- Mr. P. McNaney (Chief Executive)
- Mr. G. Millar (Director of Improvement)
- Mr. T. Salmon (Director of Corporate Services)
- Mr. L. Steele (Head of Committee and Members' Services)
- Mr. J. Hanna (Senior Committee Administrator)
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 14th December were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 7th January, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading "Statement of Purpose and Terms of Reference of the Audit Panel" which, at the request of Councillor Crozier, had been taken back to the Committee for further consideration.
Statement of Purpose and Terms of Reference of the Audit Panel
The Committee proceeded to consider further the minute of the meeting of 14th December in relation to the Statement of Purpose and Terms of Reference of the Audit Panel.
Councillor Crozier, who had requested that the minute be taken back for further consideration, expressed concern that the Terms of Reference did not include a means by which individual Members could refer issues to the Audit Panel. In addition, he made the point that the work of the Panel was constrained in so far as it could only address issues of compliance, was more directed towards risk management and did not enable the Panel to scrutinise Committee decisions. A further Member pointed out that the issue of scrutiny had been raised by Members of his Party on a number of occasions and that this matter still required to be addressed.
After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that the views of the Party Groupings on the Council be sought on how a scrutiny role could be embraced within the Terms of Reference of the Audit Panel and that a further report thereon be submitted to a future meeting.
Finance
District Rate 2008/2009
The Director of Corporate Services submitted for the Committee's consideration the undernoted report in relation to the District Rate 2008/2009.
The Director of Corporate Services reported that the four options in relation to the contribution to be made to the City Investment Strategy as set out in the foregoing report had been presented to the Party Group Leaders at a meeting held on 24th January during which the advantages and disadvantages of the four options had been considered. In order to achieve a unified position, option 2, that is, an increase of 5.32% in the District Rate for 2008/2009, had been identified as the preferred option to be recommended to the Committee. This had been made in the context of the following:
- the Party Group Leaders affirm their commitment to raising funds totaling £29 million in relation to the City Investment Strategy over the next three years;
- an aspiration, over the next three years, to invest in the City and leave a legacy for future generations while at the same time attaining a rate increase not greater than inflation plus 1%;
- the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee keep under continuous review the financial progress of establishing the £29 million required to fund the City Investment Strategy; and
- the Committee would receive a report at an early stage on the asset rationalisation element of the aforementioned strategy.
Accordingly, the revised summary of Income and Expenditure for the year ending 31st March, 2009 would be as follows:
_Summary of Estimates of Income and Expenditure_ for year ending 31 March 2009
|Year Ending |COMMITTEE |Year Ending | |31/03/2008 | |31/03/2009 | |£ | | £ | |14,284,560 |STRATEGIC POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE |14,864,330 | |5,541,140 |Chief Executive's Department |5,590,580 | |205,220 |Legal Services Department |215,620 | |10,111,740 |Corporate Services Department |10,406,690 | |(1,573,540) |Improvement Department |(1,848,560) | |- |City Investment Fund |500,000 | | | | | |21,731,400 |DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE |23,796,450 | | | | | |29,521,540 |PARKS & LEISURE COMMITTEE |30,989,430 | | | | | |46,381,540 |HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE |47,764,590 | | | | | |30,050 |TOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE |31,400 | | | | | |111,949,090 | |117,446,200 | |(4,069,380) |Less Adjustments re Capital charges |(4,518,050) | |107,879,710 | |112,928,150 | | |Less | | |(4,495,640) |GENERAL EXCHEQUER GRANT |(4,040,970) | |103,384,070 | |108,887,180 | | | | | | |Less | | |(1,000,000) |ESTIMATED CREDIT BALANCE |(1,400,000) | |102,384,070 | |107,487,180 | | | | | |4,837,630 |ESTIMATED PRODUCT OF 1p RATE |4,822,430 | | | | | |21.1641p |NON-DOMESTIC RATE IN £ FOR YEAR ENDING 31/3/2009 |22.2890p | | | | | |0.011449 |CONVERSION FACTOR |0.011449 | | | | | |0.2423p |DOMESTIC RATE IN £ YEAR ENDING 31/3/2009 |0.2552p |
_This shows an increase of 5.32% over last year_**."
Accordingly, it was recommended that the Committee agrees:
(i) the Council be recommended to approve the expenditure contained in the Estimates of Income and Expenditure, a summary which is set out above, and further to this a Domestic Rate of 0.2552 pence and a Business Rate of 22.289 pence be fixed to meet the estimated expenditure of the several Committees of the Council for the financial year commencing 1st April, 2008;
(ii) in the context of the Council's three-year planning cycle and its aspiration to invest in the City and leave a legacy for future generations, the Council would seek, conditions permitting, to achieve rate increases not greater than inflation plus 1%;
(iii) to affirm its commitment to raising funds total £29 million in relation to the City Investment Strategy over the next three years;
(iv) to keep under continuous review financial progress in relation to the establishment of the £29 million required to fund the City Investment Strategy; and
(v) to receive at an early stage a report on the asset rationalisation element of the City Investment Strategy.
After a lengthy discussion in the matter, it was
Moved by Councillor Newton, Seconded by Councillor Rodway,
That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendations in relation to the setting of the District Rate.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Stoker, Seconded by Councillor D. Browne,
That the Committee agrees to recommend to the Council that the amount of £1,000,000 to be allocated to the Strategic Investment Fund in the first year be taken from reserves so that the increase in the District Rate would be limited to 4.83%.
On a vote by show of hands six Members voted for the amendment and thirteen against and it was accordingly declared lost.
The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Newton and seconded by Councillor Rodway was thereupon put to the meeting when thirteen Members voted for and six against and it was accordingly declared carried.
Authority to Seek Tenders
The Committee granted authority for the commencement of tendering exercises in respect of the following:
(i) the supply and installation of soft flooring in Council properties;
(ii) routine inspection and maintenance of lifts; and
(iii) the supply of a 'first-responder' out-of-hours emergency response service.
Modernisation and Improvement
Review of Public Administration - Update
The Chief Executive submitted for the Committee's consideration the undernoted report which provided an update in relation to the Review of Public Administration.
During discussion in the matter, several Members expressed the view that a severance scheme should be introduced on a permanent basis and be used to reward long-serving Councillors rather than being put in place in order to assist in achieving the overall reduction in Members in the new Councils which would be established as a result of the Review of Public Administration. In response, the Chief Executive stated that the Council could commend to the Department of the Environment that a two-stranded approach be undertaken. That is, the implementation of a severance scheme to assist with the establishment of the new Council areas following the outcome of the Review of Public Administration and the introduction of a second permanent scheme, which could be used to recognise the contribution to public service made by long-serving Councillors.
After further discussion, the Committee agreed to this course of action and agreed also that, following the announcement by the Northern Ireland Executive on the proposed functions and the number of new Councils, a meeting be sought with the Ministers with responsibility for the Department of the Environment and the Department of Social Development in order to present the case that the Belfast Council area would be large enough to deliver as a single entity functions such as Planning and Regeneration and to pursue pilot opportunities in this regard.
Strategy 2008 - Key Meeting Dates
The Committee noted the contents of a report (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) which provided details in relation to the strategic planning process and the proposed dates for the holding of meetings in this regard.
Northern Ireland Local Government Association
The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.
The Committee was reminded that subsequently, at its meeting on 1st September, it had agreed to pay the Council's annual subscription to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association to the value of £86,219 - which was based on the previous year's fee plus the rate of inflation (3%) - pro-rata for the period April till September, 2007, with the remaining payment only being made on the basis of the formulation of an acceptable Service Level Agreement and the achievement of targets established in conjunction with the Party Group Leaders.
The Chief Executive suggested that the Council should honour its commitment and make the second tranche of the payment to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association. He stated that the Council should continue to point out the disparity which existed between the fees invoiced to the Council and its representation on the Association and its Executive. He made the point that, with the announcement on the Review of Public Administration imminent, the Minister had indicated that much of the modernisation and engagement work with the Local Government as a sector would be addressed through the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.
Proposal
Moved by Councillor Stoker, Seconded by Councillor D. Browne,
That, in view of the fact that little satisfactory progress has been achieved in discussions with the Association to date, the Committee agrees not to pay the remainder of the subscription to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association and withdraws from membership of the organisation.
On a vote by show of hands two Members voted for the proposal and thirteen against and it was accordingly declared lost.
Further Proposal
Moved by Councillor D. Browne, Seconded by Councillor Stoker,
That, in light of the fact that the Council had not received a satisfactory response to its previous representations, the Committee agrees that the Council's subscription for the period, which represented 24% of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association's total subscriptions for the year, be reduced to 11% to reflect the Council's proportionate representation on the Association.
On a vote by show of hands two Members voted for the proposal and eleven against and it was accordingly declared lost.
After further discussion, it was agreed that the Northern Ireland Local Government Association be advised again of the Committee's concerns regarding its ongoing relationship with the Association, that representatives of the Association be requested to meet with a deputation - consisting of the Chairman of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and the Party Group Leaders - from the Council and that consideration of the payment of the remaining proportion of the subscription to the Association be deferred until after that meeting had been held.
Democratic Services and Governance
Local Authority Members' Association - Annual Spring Seminar 2008
The Committee was advised that the Local Authority Members' Association was holding its Annual Spring Seminar in Trim, County Meath on 27th and 28th March. The seminar would examine a number of areas including Local Government Finance and budgetary constraints as well as how Local Authorities could work in partnership with other relevant bodies to help address the growing problem of substance abuse. In addition, attendance at the seminar would present Members with an opportunity to explore and discuss, with other Elected Representatives from across Ireland, areas of mutual interest and concern. The cost per delegate attending the seminar was £500.
It was recommended that the Committee authorise the attendance at the seminar of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, the Council's representatives on the National Association of Councillors, Northern Ireland Region, the Head of Committee and Members' Services (or their nominees) and a representative from each of the Party Groupings on the Council not represented by the aforementioned Members and approve the payment of the appropriate travelling and subsistence allowances in connection therewith.
The Committee adopted the recommendation.
Requests for the Provision of Hospitality
The Committee was advised that the undernoted requests for the provision of hospitality had been received:
|Organisation/ Body |Event/Date - |Request |Comments |Recommendation | | |Number of Delegates/Guests | | | | |SOLACE |SOLACE Annual Conference |Provision of hospitality|It is estimated that 400 |Provision of a drinks | | | |in the form of a drinks |delegates will be staying in |reception | | |7th October, 2008 |reception |accommodation in Belfast and | | | | | |the conference will take |Approximate cost £900 | | |Approximately | |place within the city. | | | |300 attending | | |Approximate budget | | | | | |remaining | | | | | |£135,802 | |Springboard |Global Peacebuilders |Provision of hospitality|It is estimated that |Provision of a drinks | |Opportunities |International Peacebuilding |in the form of a drinks |40 delegates will be staying |reception | |Limited |Summit 2008 |reception |in accommodation in Belfast | | | | | |and the conference will take |Approximate cost £300 | | |7th May, 2008 | |place within the city. | | | | | | |Approximate budget | | |Approximately | | |remaining | | |100 attending | | |£135,502 | |The Boys Brigade |International Convention |Provision of hospitality|This international event aims|Provision of a dinner | | | |in the form of a dinner |to showcase the work of the | | | |3rd October, 2008 (evening) | |Boys Brigade by acknowledging|Approximate cost £3,000 | | | | |the organisation's influence | | | |Approximately | |on Education, Commerce and |Approximate budget | | |100 attending | |Industry across many |remaining | | | | |countries. The event also |£132,502 | | | | |seeks to acknowedge and | | | | | |encourage the role played by | | | | | |young people in our society. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |This event meets the | | | | | |Council's Corporate Strategic| | | | | |Objectives of Providing Civic| | | | | |Leadership and Improving | | | | | |Quality of Life, Now and for | | | | | |Future Generations. It also | | | | | |contributes to the Council's | | | | | |Key Priority Issue of | | | | | |Improving Services for | | | | | |Children and Young People. | |
The Committee adopted the recommendations.
Human Resources
Absence Management
The Committee was advised that absenteeism for the period from October till December, 2007 was showing an average of 3.74 days lost per employee, which represented a decrease of 0.02 days per employee on the previous quarter. It represented also a decrease on the same period in the previous year, when the figure had been 4.32 days per employee. However, this meant that the Council was slightly below target to meet its two-day target reduction for 2007/2008. It was pointed out that almost 70% of staff had had no absence during quarter 3, with 7.63% of the overall absence in the Council during that period being attributable to long-term sickness.
A Member pointed out that, in order to provide the Members with more meaningful information, the report should include a breakdown of the targets for each of the Services within the Council and full comparisons with the previous quarter.
After discussion, during which the Director of Corporate Services undertook to include these figures in future reports, the Committee noted the information which had been provided.
Standing Order 55 - Employment of Relative
It was reported that, in accordance with Standing Order 55 and the authority delegated to him, the Director of Corporate Services had authorised the appointment of a member of staff who was related to an existing officer of the Council.
The Committee noted the appointment.
Asset Management
Ferguson Park
In accordance with Standing Order 60, the Committee was notified that the Parks and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 13th December, had agreed to the acquisition and leasing of land known as Ferguson Park, off Ballysillan Park.
Disposal of Loughside Playing Fields
The Committee was reminded that the Council had currently a legal agreement with Bayshore Developments Limited for the sale of approximately fourteen acres of land in the sum of approximately £14 million. The completion of the sale was contingent upon planning permission being granted for a number of elements, including the provision of "a retail park comprising not less than 160,000 square feet of retail space".
Five years previously when legal agreements with Bayshore were being drawn up, the developer had not secured any tenant for the scheme. It was understood that an anchor tenant had now been secured and, as a result of the tenant's requirements, Bayshore was seeking to alter the scheme. The alterations would require the developed floorspace to be reduced from 160,000 square feet to approximately 125,000 square feet. The developer had recognised that the revised scheme would fall outside the terms of the existing Agreement and therefore required the Council's formal agreement through a Deed of Variation or a similar legal mechanism. Accordingly, the Company was seeking permission to make a presentation to the Committee in respect of the revised scheme.
After discussion, the Committee agreed that no useful purpose would be served by receiving a presentation and approved the variation to the scheme, subject to there being no detrimental financial implications for the Council.
Former Civic Amenity Sites at Seapark Drive and Primrose Street
The Committee was reminded that the Health and Environmental Services Committee, at its meeting on 8th March, 2005, had declared as surplus to requirements the two former civic amenity sites at Seapark Drive and Primrose Street. The two sites had subsequently been held in the corporate landbank to be used for the purpose of the improvement, or future development of the district, pending further investigation of alternative uses, with a view to protecting and optimising the value of the assets.
It was reported that details of the two sites had been circulated to the various Departments to ascertain if they had any interest in the properties for use in connection with a Council function but that no interest had been identified. In addition, the Councillors in the Oldpark and Castle District Electoral areas, where the sites were located, had been contacted to ascertain their views on the future use of the sites.
The Committee agreed that the former civic amenity sites at Primrose Street and Seapark Drive be declared surplus to Council requirements and that they be placed for sale on the open market, free from restrictions as to future use, subject to a report being submitted to the Committee seeking approval to the terms of any disposal and to a requirement for the sites to be developed within a defined time frame.
arc21 Residual Waste Treatment Facilities - Update on the Contract for the Transfer of Land
The Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report in respect of an update on the contract for the transfer of land in relation to the arc21 Residual Waste Treatment Facilities to enable the Party Groupings to be provided with briefings in the matter.
Good Relations and Equality
Meeting of Good Relations Steering Panel
The Committee approved the minutes (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) of the meeting of the Good Relations Steering Panel held on 11th January.
Miscellaneous
Responses to Notice of Motion re: Events in Burma
The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 3rd December, had passed the following Notice of Motion:
"This Council views with the deepest concern the unfolding events in Burma and salutes the courage of the Burmese people, especially Aung San Suu Kyi, in challenging the oppressive, corrupt and illegitimate military junta which has ruled Burma for decades.
The people of Belfast have a tradition of supporting oppressed peoples and to that end this Council calls on the British and Irish governments to immediately impose the most stringent sanctions under the auspices of the United Nations."
The Committee was advised that correspondence had been received from the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Irish Government's Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs outlining their positions and the actions which they had undertaken in relation to the events which were taking place currently in Burma. Copies of the correspondence in this regard are set out hereunder:
Letter 1
"Thank you for your letter of 19 December to the Foreign Secretary's Office about the situation in Burma. We have been asked to reply.
We have strongly and repeatedly condemned the recent violent suppression of peaceful protests across Burma. The Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, and other Ministers, continue their efforts to ensure that the international community does not forget the people of Burma.
We are alarmed by the reports of continuing persecution targeted at those who took part in the demonstrations. We want the regime to end ongoing arrests, release all political prisoners and engage in a genuine process of reconciliation and a dialogue that is fully inclusive, not least of the ethnic groups.
We are working to increase regional and international pressure on the regime while at the same time holding out the prospect of a better future for Burma should there be genuine moves towards political reconciliation, the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights.
We are applying pressure firstly through the United Nations. On 2 October, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution sponsored by the European Union, (EU) with the strong support of the UK, which expressed deep concern about the situation in Burma and requested that the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, be given immediate access. Professor Pinheiro visited Burma from 11 to 15 November. He met senior regime figures, and a number of political prisoners.
Professor Pinheiro's report to the Human Rights Council on 11 December highlights the gravity of the human rights situation in Burma. It is evident that there are major concerns about abuses during the repression of the peaceful protests in September and October.
We welcome the Special Rapporteur's findings, and support the call for an early follow-up visit to take forward a more thorough investigation. It is imperative he is given free and unhindered access to both people and areas across Burma. We also support Professor Pinheiro's recommendations and urge the Burmese government to fully co-operate with him to enable him to continue his much-needed work in the country.
On 11 October, the UN sent a powerful signal that the international community would stand together in support of the Burmese people. The UK helped to secure a unanimous statement by the Security Council which strongly deplored the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations, called for the release of all political prisoners and underlined the need for the Burmese government to establish a genuine dialogue with all concerned parties and ethnic groups. This was the first formal action on Burma ever taken by the Security Council. It had the support of all the members of the Security Council including, crucially, China, and represents a significant shift in the political situation from their previous position.
The UN Secretary General's envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, made his most recent visit to Burma from 3-8 November. He met Aung San Suu Kyi, other National League for Democracy figures, representatives of ethnic groups as well as senior members of the regime and their proxy organisations. Aung San Suu Kyi subsequently issued a statement through Professor Gambari reaffirming her willingness to engage in a dialogue with the regime and representatives of the ethnic groups. We hope the regime seizes this opportunity to find a lasting settlement to the problems of Burma.
We are also taking the lead in the EU. We secured agreement to impose stronger restrictive measures against the regime. On 15 October, European Foreign Ministers agreed to implement sanctions targeting business interests in those sectors from which the regime draws much of its revenue - timber, precious metals and gems. The EU made clear that any decision on whether further measures are imposed will depend entirely on the regime's willingness to allow genuine political progress in Burma. The EU measures are focused on the generals and designed not to harm the Burmese people.
As a third means of pressure, we continue to keep in close contact with partners in the region, including the Association of South East Asian Nations, (ASEAN) to build up constructive pressure on the Burmese government. Ministers' personal engagement with their counterparts in the region helped lay the foundation for a strongly worded statement by ASEAN on 27 September, in which they expressed their revulsion for the actions of the regime.
We looked to the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Singapore on 18-21 November to send a clear signal to the regime that their regional partners expected political transformation and national reconciliation. In contacts with Foreign Ministers from across the region in the build up to the Summits, we underlined the importance we attached to this issue and Minister Meg Munn made these points personally when she met ASEAN Ministers (as well as Professor Gambari and the EU Special Envoy, Piero Fassimo) during the EU-ASEAN Summit on 22 November. We welcome ASEAN's reaffirmation of its support for the UN-led process, but were disappointed that Burmese objections prevented Professor Gambari from addressing the ASEAN Summit. We continue to call on our ASEAN partners to play a leading role in promoting fundamental political change in their fellow member state, Burma.
At the same time as applying this pressure on the regime, we have been clear that if a genuine political transformation gets under way, the international community should begin the work which will lead to substantial economic support for a new, democratic government of Burma. The Prime Minister has written to the UN Secretary General and other key colleagues proposing support
for a recovery plan for Burma, strictly conditional on demonstrable and irrevocable progress towards reconciliation and democracy. The first meeting to discuss this initiative was held in Washington on 20 October. We have also announced that we will be doubling the humanitarian aid to Burma from £9 million this year to £18 million by 2010-11.
We have placed further information about Burma, as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Annual Report on Human Rights, on our website at *www.fco.gov.uk.*
Letter 2
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermott Ahern T.D., has asked me to thank you for informing us of the Notice of Motion passed by Belfast City Council regarding the situation in Burma. The Minister welcomes the motion and has noted its contents.
The Minister remains gravely concerned at the situation in Burma. The priority, for a long-lasting and sustainable solution to the situation in Burma, remains the implementation of a sustainable, meaningful and inclusive political process leading to real democratisation and national reconciliation. The main track to achieving this is the process initiated by the UN Secretary General and his Special Representative, Dr. Ibrahim Gambari. The Government believes that the opportunity provided by this good offices mission must be seized by all sides. The role of Burma's neighbours in this is essential.
The Government agrees that the situation in Burma, with implications for regional and international security, warrants broader and more concrete Security Council action, including sanctions. Regrettably, there is insufficient consensus in favour of such action among Security Council members, though we do welcome the fact that the Council continues to be engaged on the issue.
In the absence of UN sanctions, that would be legally binding internationally, Ireland has taken a strong position in favour of imposing, and extending, EU sanctions in Burma.
Ireland, with our EU partners, applies a range of restrictive measures to Burma, referred to as the Common Position, since 1996. The Common Position confirmed an arms embargo imposed in 1990. Equally, GSP privileges were withdrawn in 1997 because of forced labour issues. It also prohibits EU-registered companies from making financial loans or credits to named Burmese State-owned enterprise and from acquiring or extending a participation in such enterprises.
On 19 November the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted further targeted measures on Burma: import, export and investment bans on equipment to the logs and timber and mining of metals, minerals precious and semi-precious stones sectors. These clearly target the regime and seek to minimise the impact on the people of Burma. Ireland also successfully sought to ensure the flexibility of the sanctions, which can be strengthened further if required. A new comprehensive investment ban is being looked at in this context. Ireland will continue to take a strong position in favour of extending further EU sanctions on Burma as the situation there requires.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Burma very closely and to work with EU, the UN and the countries of Asia and to keep the focus of the world on the plight of the people of Burma."
The Committee noted the receipt of the correspondence.
Civic Posts
The Committee noted the receipt of correspondence which had been received from another Local Authority regarding the filling of Civic positions on Councils. (This should be requested under Freedom of Information)
Response to Review of Domestic Rating Lone Pensioner Allowance
The Committee was informed that the Department of Finance and Personnel had issued a consultation document entitled "Review of Domestic Rating Lone Pensioner Allowance". The Department was proposing to introduce from April, 2008 a 20% discount in rate bills for pensioners aged 70 or over who lived alone. The Director of Corporate Services submitted for the Committee's consideration a proposed Council response, copies of which were available on Modern.gov and the Members' Portal, to the consultation document.
The Committee approved the proposed response.
Chairman
