The Minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive any petitions from the public and any questions from the public and Councillors.

Questions on the following matters were submitted by Councillors:

(The full text of the questions and responses was made available on the Reading Borough Council website).

This report sets out the 2023/24 General Fund and Housing Revenue Account budgets, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy for recommendation to Full Council and also seeks the required approvals to progress the Levelling Up Fund programme and works at Ranikhet School.

Further to Minute 39 of the meeting held on 15 December 2022, the Director of Finance submitted a report setting out for recommendation to Council the 2023/24 Budget and 2023/24-2025/26 Medium-Term Financial Strategy and updating the Committee on the results of the budget consultation exercise, changes arising from the publication  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

This report sets out the Draft Capital Strategy 2023/24 for recommendation to Full Council.

The Director of Finance submitted a report setting out for recommendation to Council the draft Capital Strategy 2023/24, which was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report noted that the CIPFA 2021 Prudential and Treasury Management Code required the Council to prepare a Capital Strategy report which set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

This report sets out the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Annual Investment Strategy for recommendation to Full Council.

The Director of Finance submitted a report setting out a Treasury Management Strategy for endorsement and recommendation to Council.  The Strategy required approval before the start of the new financial year in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

This report informs the Committee, in its role as sole member of Brighter Futures for Children Limited, of a vacancy for a Council-appointed Director and seeks approval to the proposed appointment.

In accordance with Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair had agreed that this item be considered as a matter of urgency to fill the vacancy for a Council Nominated Director as soon as possible to ensure the Brighter Futures for Children Board could continue to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

The following motion will be moved by the Chair:

“That, pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following items on the agenda, as it is likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of that Act”

Resolved –

That pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of item 58 below as it was likely that there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs specified in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

The Executive Director of Economic Growth & Neighbourhoods submitted a report on three interlinked transactions involving Council land holdings at Island Road.  The report was seeking approval to progress the recommendations as set out in the report in respect of the land interests and to agree a delegation to allow officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.