Agenda item

Joint report of the Chamberlain & Interim Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee considered a joint report of the Chamberlain and Interim Executive Director, Environment concerning approval of the revenue and capital budgets for the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee for 2024/25, for subsequent submission to the Finance Committee.

Members discussed several key points regarding the budget. In the Budget Overview, it was highlighted that the proposed net expenditure budget for 24/25 was £5.356 million, reflecting a reduction of £277,000 compared to the previous year’s original budget. The total local risk resource base for 24/25 was £5.295 million net expenditure, accounting for inflation and other factors. In response to a question raised by a Member, officers noted that the budget intricately included pay award adjustments, staffing budget transfers, and central risk items, such as income from the Hampstead Heath Trust. The distinction between local risk, central risk, and recharge budgets was clarified, and concerns were expressed regarding understanding Hampstead Heath's budget within the overall context.

In relation to the recommendations, Members agreed that recommendation iv as outlined in the report be amended to delegate authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman and not the Chamberlain.

RESOLVED – That Members,

a)    Note the latest revenue budget for your Committee for 2023/24;

b)    Review and approve the Committee’s proposed revenue budget for 2024/25 for submission to Finance Committee

c)     Review and approve the Committee’s capital and supplementary revenue project budgets for 2024/25 for submission to Finance Committee.

d)    Agree that amendments for 2023/24 and 2024/25 budgets arising from changes to recharges or for any further implications arising from corporate contracts, energy price increases, changes to the Cyclical Works Programme (CWP) and capital charges during budget setting be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.