Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.
Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.
Decision Maker: Head of Asset Management
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 06/02/2025
Decision:
The Council’s tenant of the above
property has requested that they be given a licence to allow the
assignment of the property: Unit 26 Midleton Enterprise Park.
The present lessee Anne-Louise Limited proposes an assignment to
the proposed assignee Be Seated Hire Ltd for the remainder of the
lease term which expires 09/03/2028. The lease agreement is outside
the security of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954. The
assignee’s company accounts have been reviewed as part of the
Council’s due diligence process and a 3 month rent deposit of
£8,025 will be payable by the assignee.
The proposed assignment provides the ‘best consideration
reasonably obtainable’ where at the time of assignment the
remaining term exceeds seven (7) years.
Wards affected: Westborough;
Lead officer: Francesca Kosh
Decision Maker: Interim Executive Head of Neighbourhood Housing
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 06/02/2025
Decision:
The tenant of the property has confirmed that they wish to proceed
with the purchase of the property in accordance with the right to
buy legislation and at the purchase price set out in the offer
notice dated 10th October 2024.
Wards affected: St Nicolas;
Lead officer: Siobhan Rumble
Decision Maker: Joint Assistant Director: Housing Services
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 06/02/2025
Decision:
The tenant of the property has confirmed that
they wish to proceed with the purchase of the property in
accordance with the right to buy legislation and at the purchase
price set out in the offer notice dated 10th October 2024.
Wards affected: Westborough;
Lead officer: Siobhan Rumble
Decision Maker: Interim Executive Head of Neighbourhood Housing
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 06/02/2025
Decision:
The tenant of the property has confirmed that they wish to proceed
with the purchase of the property in accordance with the right to
buy legislation and at the purchase price set out in the offer
notice dated 14th June 2023.
Wards affected: Westborough;
Lead officer: Siobhan Rumble
Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Director for Legal and Democratic Services (Monitoring Officer)
Decision published: 05/02/2025
Effective from: 05/02/2025
Decision:
General Dispensation granted to all members of the Council for a
period of 12 months from today’s date, in the following
terms:
You may participate in any business of the Council where that
business relates to the Council’s functions in respect
of:
(i) housing, where you are a tenant of your authority provided that
those functions do not relate particularly to your tenancy or
lease;
(ii) school meals or school transport and travelling expenses,
where you are a parent or guardian of a child in full-time
education, or are a parent governor of a school, unless it relates
particularly to the school which the child attends;
(iii) statutory sick pay under Part XI of the Social Security
Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, where you are in receipt of,
or are entitled to the receipt of, such pay;
(iv) an allowance, payment or indemnity given to councillors or
co-opted members;
(v) any ceremonial honour given to councillors; and
(vi) setting Council Tax or a precept under the Local Government
Finance Act 1992.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Susan Sale
Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Director - Economy, Planning and Place
Decision published: 05/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
The Joint Strategic Director Economy, Planning
& Place is asked to use their delegated authority to authorise
the letting of the contract to undertake the Guildford Urban
Capacity Study to Maccreanor Lavington.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Ezra Wallace
Decision Maker: Joint Assistant Director: Assets and Property
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
The lease of 122,124a & 124b expires on
the 8th July 2025 and in anticipation of the expiry (Lease inside
the Act) GBC have instructed Property Agents Green & Partners
to first engage in negotiations with the present Tenant, The Body
Shop to ascertain whether a lease renewal can be agreed. Should
lease renewal discussions not be successful Green & Partners
are instead instructed to act on behalf of GBC in respect of a new
Agency Letting.
Wards affected: Castle;
Lead officer: Marieke van der Reijden
Decision Maker: Parks and Countryside Development Lead
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
To award a works contract to Countryside
Contracts to replace and upgrade the fishing platforms/swims at
Lakeside Nature Reserve and provide further access and path
improvements around the lake.In accordance with the Council's
procurement rules. Value £39,670 paid by funding from the UK
Shared Prosperity (UKSPF).
Wards affected: Ash Vale;
Lead officer: Hendryk Jurk
Decision Maker: Joint Assistant Director: Housing Services
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
The project has been initiated to build an
extension to provide ground floor bedroom facilities for the
residents disabled child.
Wards affected: Ash Wharf;
Lead officer: Annalisa Howson
Decision Maker: Joint Assistant Director: Housing Services
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
The project has been initiated to carry out
internal alterations to the property and brick built outhouse to
create ground floor bathing and bedroom facilities for the
residents disabled child. There are also external works to
construct wheel chair access and off street parking.
Wards affected: Ash Wharf;
Lead officer: Annalisa Howson
Decision Maker: Head of Asset Management
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
The Council’s tenant of the above property has requested that
they be given licence to allow them to carry out the following
alterations at the above property.
1. Installation of hygienic floor i.e. resin coat or similar
2. Installation of hygienic PVC wall cladding
3. Installation of sinks and dishwashing equipment, which will
require some plumbing and pipework.
4. Installation of commercial extraction hood requiring external
venting. This will require a wall penetration at the rear.
5. Electric work for installation of ovens, and induction hob,
dishwashers etc. Surface mounted.
6. Sub-division of space. Erect partitions to be a simple timber
studwork frame attached to the existing walls.
The Council cannot unreasonably withhold or delay consent for such
alterations.
If you have any queries, then please contact Charles Wood who will
be happy to provide further information
Wards affected: Westborough;
Lead officer: Francesca Kosh
Decision Maker: Joint Assistant Director: Communications and Customer Services
Decision published: 03/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Franking Machine and associated support
lease
Lead officer: Peter Stevens
Decision Maker: Head of Asset Management
Decision published: 03/02/2025
Effective from: 29/01/2025
Decision:
To approve the reviewed rent of the above property leased to
Broadwater Sports Club Limited.
In accordance with the provisions of the lease, the annual passing
rent of £3,880 has been reviewed as at 16.6.2024 and it is
proposed to increase it to £5,188 per annum.
The rent review was based on changes in the RPI index.
A memorandum will be endorsed on the lease recording this
review.
If you have any queries, then please contact Mark Appleton who will
be happy to provide further information.
Wards affected: Shalford;
Lead officer: Francesca Kosh
Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Director - Economy, Planning and Place
Decision published: 30/01/2025
Effective from: 30/01/2025
Decision:
GBC utilised the Pagabo Framework Lot 4 for
Site Supervisor/Clerk of Works to procure a suitable Clerk of Works
to act for GBC on the delivery of the Suitable Alternative Green
Space (SANG) at Burpham Court Farm.
Wards affected: Bellfields & Slyfield;
Lead officer: Ezra Wallace
Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Director - Economy, Planning and Place
Decision published: 30/01/2025
Effective from: 30/01/2025
Decision:
Licence to carry out vegetation clearance at
the former Common Land adjacent to Woking Road ahead of the highway
improvement works at the same location.
Wards affected: Bellfields & Slyfield;
Lead officer: Ezra Wallace
Decision Maker: Head of Asset Management
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 29/01/2025
Decision:
The Council has received a request to grant an Easement over 24-29
Woodbridge Meadows, in line with the following terms and
conditions:
The Easement is to be tripartite between the Council as Freeholder,
Porche as the long lessee and Thames Water as grantee.
Porche undertook a redevelopment of the site at 24-29 Woodbridge
Meadows (with the necessary consents) in 2021/22 to build the
Porche Centre Guildford. During construction they were informed by
Thames Water of an existing mains water pipe running within the
western boundary of the site which had not previously been
identified on utility searches.
Thames Water has requested an Easement over the water pipe which
the Council has agreed is to be tripartite with Porche who have
responsibility for the site until their lease expires in
2106.
As the water pipe is existing, no consideration is payable in this
instance. However our legal and surveyors costs are being
met.
If you have any queries, then please contact Emma Guy who will be
happy to provide further information.
Wards affected: Stoke;
Lead officer: Francesca Kosh
Decision Maker: Head of Asset Management
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from:
Decision:
To approve the reviewed rent of the above
property leased to Broadwater Sports Club Limited.
In accordance with the provisions of the lease, the annual passing
rent of £3,880 has been reviewed as at 16.6.2024 and it is
proposed to increase it to £5,188 per annum.
The rent review was based on changes in the RPI index.
A memorandum will be endorsed on the lease recording this
review.
If you have any queries, then please contact Mark Appleton who will
be happy to provide further information
Wards affected: Shalford;
Lead officer: Francesca Kosh
Decision Maker: Joint Assistant Director: Assets and Property
Decision published: 28/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
To appoint Consultant for valuation services
re Hope PRU Worplesdon Rd
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Marieke van der Reijden
Decision Maker: Head of Asset Management
Decision published: 27/01/2025
Effective from: 24/01/2025
Decision:
To approve the grant of the lease of unit 12
Midleton Enterprise Park to Peter Bennison T/A Big Ginger Sauce Co
in line with the following terms and conditions:
Lease: 5 years
Break: at year 3
Rent: £12,000pa
If you have any queries, then please contact Charles Wood who will
be happy to provide further information
Wards affected: Westborough;
Lead officer: Francesca Kosh
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 23/01/2025
Decision:
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2025 were confirmed as correct. The Leader signed the minutes.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 23/01/2025
Decision:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Carla Morson.
1. To ratify the execution of the Framework
Agreement with Surrey County Council for provision of countryside
services.
2. To delegate authority to the Joint Strategic Director Housing,
Communities & Environment to enter all call-off contracts under
the Framework Agreement.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. Ratify the execution underhand in May 2024 of the Framework Agreement with Surrey County Council for provision of countryside services.
2. Delegate authority to the Joint Strategic Director Housing, Communities & Environment to enter all call-off contracts under the Framework Agreement.
Reason(s):
1. To note the award and execution underhand of the Framework Agreement and provide ratification of the method of execution.
2. To ensure that the Council can fulfil its obligations under the Framework Agreement and respond expeditiously to call-offs under the Framework Agreement.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Julian Higson
To agree the outcome of a rent
review.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
Approved an increase in the rent from £174,144 per annum to £278,500 per annum with effect from the 3 February 2024 rent review.
Reason(s):
1. The proposed settlement represents best consideration.
2. The proposed annual rent secures an excellent increase in the annual rental income stream for the Council.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: Bellfields & Slyfield;
Lead officer: Charles Wood
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 31/01/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. Approved the surrender of the current lease over The Bridge, and the subleases over Napoleon’s Passage and the airspace above, between the Council and M. F. Strawson, and simultaneously grant one new lease over The Bridge, Napoleon’s Passage, and the airspace above, for a term of 125 years with a new user provision being Student Accommodation.
2. Approved the surrender of both leases over Napoleon’s Passage and the airspace above, between the Council and the National Trust, and simultaneously enter into two new leases for a term of 125 years.
Reason(s):
To provide the Council with a capital receipt of £214,000. All capital receipts generated from General Fund assets will contribute towards the Council’s Financial Recovery Plan to reduce Council debt and achieve a sustainable financial position.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: Normandy & Pirbright;
Lead officer: Mark Appleton
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. The removal of the current taxi rank on North Street outside Marks and Spencer due to the future pedestrianisation of North Street;
2. The temporary closure of the current taxi rank on North Street outside the Friary Centre during a period of redevelopment works;
3. The temporary adoption of the parking bays at lower High Street outside Vision Express as a taxi rank during a period of redevelopment works;
4. The temporary adoption of the double yellow line at Bedford Road outside St James House as a night time taxi rank; and
5. Should external funding not be available, and in agreement with the Assistant Director for Regeneration, funds estimated at £28,720 can be transferred to assist with improving safety and mitigating the impact during the temporary closure of the main North Street Rank at the Friary.
Reason(s):
This proposal is part of the wider redevelopment works to Guildford town centre requiring both temporary and permanent changes to taxi ranks affected by development.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
To review resourcing in regard to the
Executive Support function for both councils in respect of a
potential growth bid.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 25/01/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. Approved the creation of 1.5 full time equivalent new Personal Assistant posts to support the recent growth of three new Joint Assistant Directors, subject to budget approval by Council;
2. Subject to approval of the creation of two further new Joint Assistant Directors, approved the creation of 1 full time equivalent further Personal Assistant post to support those posts, subject to budget approval by Council;
3. Subject to consultation with affected staff and Unions, designate all existing and new posts within the Executive Support Team as Joint Posts from 1 April 2025;
4. Approved honorarium payments from 2021 (or the start of employment, whichever is the later) to existing Officers in the Executive Support Team in accordance with paragraph 11.3 of this report, at a cost of £51,000 to Guildford Borough Council;
5. Recommended to Council that the Executive Support function be a joint function with Waverley Borough Council and that the Council agrees to delegate the exercise of this function to Waverley Borough Council on behalf of Guildford Borough Council;
6. Recommended to Council that the Strategic Director of Legal and Democratic Services be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Joint Chairs of the Joint Governance Committee, to include the shared Executive Support service in any Inter-Authority Agreement.
Reason(s):
1. To ensure that the Leaders of both Councils, the Corporate Leadership Board and the Joint Leadership Team are adequately supported by sufficient resources within the Executive Support Team, to enable them to operate in an efficient and cost-effective way.
2. To ensure that Executive Support Team officers, who provide a service to both Councils by supporting and working closely with Joint Officers, are formally recognised as having Joint Posts.
3. To ensure that such Joint Posts are dealt with in a consistent manner and in accordance with existing HR policies for such posts and the inter authority agreement between the two Councils for the sharing of staff.
4. Recognising that when officers in the Executive Support Team commenced their roles, they were not treated in accordance with the current HR policy for Joint Posts as it did not exist at the relevant time, and remedying this lack of consistency, parity and fairness by way of payment of honorariums will put such officers into the position they would have been in had the policy been in place at the time.
5. To seek Council’s formal approval of the creation of a joint service and to agree the provision of the function to Guildford Borough Council by Waverley Borough Council.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
· Option 1 – Do nothing.
· Option 2 – Establish two separate Executive Support Teams
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
To review the Corporate Risk Register and Risk
Management Strategy
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. Note the risk management strategy (2025/26 – 2028/29) and any comments on its contents made by the Corporate Governance and Standards Committee;
2. Approve the risk management strategy (2025/25 – 2028/29);
3. Subject to any revisions required following the Corporate Governance and Standards Committee’s receipt of the strategy, delegate authority to the Joint Assistant Director, Strategy and Corporate Services to make any necessary amendments in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Community and Organisational Development; and,
4. Delegate authority to the Joint Assistant Director, Strategy and Corporate Services to make any minor amendments to the risk management strategy as required and in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Community and Organisational Development.
Reason(s):
For the council to have effective arrangements in place for the management of risk.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
To consider the Off-Street Parking Business
Plan and proposed street parking tariffs.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. In respect of Farnham Road Multistorey Car Park:
· To increase the standard daytime rate from £1.10 per hour to £1.20 per hour
· To remove the pre-7am £1.00 per hour rate
· To standardise the Sunday daytime rate with the proposed Monday to Saturday rate of £1.20 per hour
· To increase the maximum daily (capped) tariff from £9.00 per day to £10.00 per day.
2. In respect of York Road Multistorey Car Park:
· To convert from a Shopper car park to a Long-stay car park
· To remove the £4.00 up to 3-hour tariff structure and replace with a standard daytime rate of £1.20 per hour between 8am and 6pm
· To reduce the maximum daily (capped) tariff from £11.00 per day to £10.00 per day.
3. In respect of season tickets, contract parking and garages:
To increase the current rates charged by 10%.
4. To make no other changes to the Short-stay and Shopper car park tariffs.
5. To refocus the Parking Strategy to reflect modern technology and parking trends by using external consultants up to a budget of £50,000 and to report its findings to the Executive.
6. To delegate approval to join the National Parking Platform (NPP) to the Joint Assistance Director of Commercial Services in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Commercial Services.
7. To note the priorities for the capital programme for the years 2025-2030.
Reason(s):
1. In April 2024, tariffs in the Short-stay and Shopper car park were increased. However, the daytime Long-stay parking and Sunday fees at Farnham Road MSCP were left unchanged. Similarly, the Contract Parking, Season ticket and Garage fees were not revised at that time.
2. At Farnham Road MSCP the proposed 10p per hour increase from £1.10 per hour to £1.20 per hour recommended, equates to a 2.92% per increase over the 3-year period since the charges were last amended. This and the other amendments to the tariffs proposed for this car park are expected to generate an additional £119,000 per annum in net revenue.
3. Changes in the nature of the business and retail activity, in the upper High Street area of the town centre, has resulted in reduction in utilisation at York Road MSCP. This has led to an over-capacity of Shopper parking provision in the area. Therefore, to try to encourage greater use of this facility, which boasts the largest capacity of any car park in that particular part of the town, changing the car park to a Long-stay facility, with lower charges, may help to increase patronage and free up capacity in nearby Short-stay and Shopper facilities.
4. The conversion of York Road MSCP will establish a Long-stay interceptor facility on the eastern side of the town centre, like that provided by Farnham Road MSCP on the western approach to the town centre. However, the proposed change in daytime tariffs to a £1.20 per hour fee will have a negative financial impact. This is expected to reduce net revenue by around £186,000 per annum (assuming no increase in patronage). Even so, it may help to better meet the needs of businesses, who since the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, have been seeking concessions for staff parking.
5. However, if as anticipated, the reduced fees encourage greater utilisation, the negative revenue position could be reduced. A 5% increase in patronage would reduce the net revenue reduction from £186,000 to £159,000 per annum, A 10% increase in utilisation would reduce the net revenue reductions to £133,000. Indeed, if there was a 15% increase in use, the £106,000 net reduction would be exceeded by the net increase in revenue anticipated at Farnham Road MSCP (£119,000). So, the proposed changes could be broadly ‘cost neutral’. Of course, if there is displacement from other nearby Short-stay and Shopper car parks, this may reduce revenues there, but this would help to free up capacity in these centrally located facilities, for other visitors to use.
6. Notwithstanding, the Parking team has been set a target to generate an additional £1.0m in net revenue in 2025-26 (in addition to the £800,000 target that it was set for 2024-25). So, other tariff changes could be considered. However, thus far during 2024-25, the service has exceeded predictions in respect ticket revenue, contract parking, season ticket, pre-payment and penalty charge notice income (see 6.3).
7. Additionally, when new Pay and Display (P&D) and Barrier Pay on Foot (PoF) parking equipment is introduced in late 2024-25 / early 2025-26, the availability of improved technology and contactless payments across all our parking facilities is likely to generate additional revenues, in respect to the anticipated transfer from cash to card payments. This could be expected to generate around £300,000 additional net revenue per annum, through people using card rather than limiting the duration of their stays based upon the amount of change they possess.
8. Contract Parking and Season tickets represent extremely good value for money for regular users, with discounts ranging between 15%-45% of standard parking tariffs. To avoid impeding the return-to-work post-pandemic, the fees associated with these two forms of parking offer have only been increased once, in 2022-23, when the fees were subject to a 3.0% rise. Garages were last increased in 2023-24, by 3.5%. Therefore, a 10% increase in Contract, Season ticket and Garage fees is recommended. In respect to Contract and Season ticket parking, this equates to 3.23% annual increase per year over the 3-year period since the charges were last amended. This is broadly in line with the average inflation rate over the period. Given the realignment of the tariffs and daily cap on fees in Farnham Road and York Road MSCPs, it is recommended that the season ticket fees in these car parks are also standardised. These changes are expected to generate an additional £78,500 per annum in net revenue.
9. Summary of impact of the recommended changes
· Performance exceeding expectations FY24-25: +£265k (ticket) +£268k (PCN) + £67k (Contract etc…)
· Farnham Road MSCP: +£119,000
· York Road MSCP: -£186,000
· Contract Parking, Season Tickets & Garages: +£78,500
10. Other changes to operations in FY24-25
· New payment equipment / technology: +£300,000
· Cash Collection collaboration: +£65,000
· Waverley enforcement collaboration: +£23,000
TOTAL (compared to baseline FY24/25 budget): +£1.00m
11. No other tariffs changes are recommended for 2025-26, on the basis that the vast majority of the other parking fees were increased in April 2024. It should be noted that these revisions were higher than the levels originally recommended by officers.
12. The development of a new Parking Strategy will help to determine any changes in supply and demand and assess the future requirements for the provision of parking within the town. This will help to ensure that the parking facilities remain fit for purpose and there is sufficient capacity for them to act as an effective enabler for the local economy.
13. The NPP will bring together car park operators, equipment suppliers and service providers, to give customers a wider range of options to pay for parking, improved business intelligence for operators and benefits in terms of the economies of scale.
14. The adoption of a more structured capital programme for both the structured and surface car parks will assist in budgeting for planned maintenance, upgrades and ensure that health and safety and the customer’s experience is maintained/improved.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
Do nothing, Do minimum, Do most.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
To consider and recommend approval of the Capital and Investment Strategy 2025-26 to 2029-30.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. Noted the comments arising from the meeting of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny meeting on 21 January 2025.
2. Recommended the following to Council
(at its Budget Meeting on 5 February 2025):
(1) That the updated capital programme set out in Appendix 1 is approved.
(2) That the proposed treatment of the new capital bids as set out in paragraphs 6.9 to 6.16 are approved.
Reason(s):
1. The financing of the approved Capital Budget has direct implications on borrowing costs within the General Fund revenue budget and other funding sources such as Reserves and Balances.
2. Setting a balanced budget is a statutory requirement.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
To consider and recommend approval of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025-26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2027-28.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. Noted the comments arising from the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 21 January 2025.
2. Recommended the following to full Council
(at its Budget Meeting on 5 February 2025):
1. That the General Fund Budget for 2025/26 as summarised in Appendix 6 be approved.
2. That a 2.99% increase in Guildford Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2025/26, be approved with resultant increases to the other council tax bands.
3. That the Council’s existing Local Council Tax Support Scheme, with uprating as set out in Appendix 1 and the £40,000 discretionary hardship fund that runs alongside it, be continued.
4. That Council endorses the updated guidelines for Discretionary Reductions, set out in Appendix 2.
5. That, from 1 April 2025, the Council varies its determination of 7 February 2024 under Section 11B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, to except properties from the long-term empty dwelling levy in accordance with The Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024 SI 1007. Where a property is not excepted the long-term empty dwelling levy starts after a property has been empty and unfurnished for one year.
6. That, from 1 April 2025, the Council varies its determination of 7 February 2024 under section 11C of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to except properties from the premium on periodically used dwellings in accordance with The Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024 SI 1007. Where a property is not excepted the Council will charge a premium (levy) of 100% on periodically used dwellings.
7. That the schedule of Fees and Charges, as set out in Appendix 3 to this report, be approved with the amendment that the subscription fee per garden waste bin be increased to £65 per annum.
Reason(s):
1. The General Fund Budget is a major decision for the Council and setting a balanced budget is a statutory requirement.
2. Scrutiny of the MTFP and Budget proposals demonstrate transparency and good governance.
3. The Council has been well positioned to respond to the financial challenges faced by all local authorities. Whilst the latest MTFP for the subsequent years ending 2028-29 continues to project future financial pressures, and opportunities, the Council will take action to ensure sufficient funding is in place to deliver and maintain services.
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
To consider and recommend approval of the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2025-26.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
Decision:
1. Noted the comments arising from the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 21 January 2025; and
2. Recommended to full Council
(at its Budget Meeting on 5 February 2025):
That the Council approves:
1. The proposed HRA revenue budget for 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1 to this report.
2. That a rent increase of 2.7%, be implemented.
3. That the fees and charges for HRA services for 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 2 to this report, be approved.
4. That a 5% increase be applied to garage rents which is in line with the wider Council policy on fees and charges.
Reason(s):
To enable the Council to set the rent charges for HRA property and associated fees and charges, along with authorising the necessary expenditure to implement a budget, this is consistent with the objectives outlined in the HRA Business Plan
Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Decision Maker: Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 01/02/2025
Decision:
1. Noted and approved the charitable accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 to be presented for approval at trustees’ meetings for each of the following charities:
· Burpham War Memorial Recreational Grounds Charity (304982).
· Guildford Sports Ground Charity (also known as Woodbridge Road Sports Ground) (305056)
· Public Walks and Pleasure Grounds Charity (Allen House Grounds) (305054).
· Arundel House (Hamilton Fellows) (200491)
· The Mayor’s Local Support Fund (258388)
· The Racks Close Open Space Charity (1058137)
2. Authorised the Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Assets to convene a trustees meeting for each of the charities to approve the audited accounts and annual returns and consider the audits for the charities.
3. Noted that the outstanding accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2023 had now been filed for The Racks Open Space, Public Walks and Pleasure Grounds and Burpham War Memorial Recreation Ground; and
4. Agreed that delegated authority was given to the Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Resources to undertake such steps as are necessary to implement any of the recommendations made by the Charity Commission in relation to all the charities of which the Council is a trustee.
Reason(s):
1 As a trustee the Council has a responsibility to ensure it has in place robust mechanisms for making trustee decisions which are in the best interests of the charity. The recommendations in this report enable the Council to fulfil its duties accounting and reporting responsibilities whilst supporting good governance so that the Council is exercising its trustee function competently, robustly and transparently.
2. To enable the Council to be able to fulfil its duties in respect of best value and continuous improvement in respect of its interests in charities, and to keep under review the objectives, strategies and plans, and performance of each of its companies.
Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Decision Maker: Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 23/01/2025
Decision:
The Committee noted the work programme and agreed it should be reformatted and further updated.
Decision Maker: Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee
Decision published: 24/01/2025
Effective from: 23/01/2025
Decision:
The minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2025 were confirmed as correct. The Chair signed the minutes.