Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Interim Corporate Director Resources which presented the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 and highlighted significant issues arising from the accounts (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Temple raised a number of questions, the first relating to unused shares as highlighted on page 140 of the report. It was noted that a response would be provided following the meeting in this regard. He further raised queries regarding the reduction in the pupil premium grant, cost of exit packages and finally in relation to tribunal and court claims. In particular where detail regarding the associated costs could be located.  In response the Interim Corporate Director Resources advised that detail relating to tribunal and court claim costs, is reported in the Cabinet Outturn reports where they would be shown against the relevant service grouping.  It was further noted that there was no Code requirement to report this separately. Councillor Bell advised that he would further take up the points raised by Councillor Temple and report back to him with responses to each.

Councillor J Carr commented that it was concerning to see how low business rates had been during the year. In response the Finance Manager advised that rates were kept under review, however last years low figures could be attributed to the number of appeals which had been lodged. The Interim Corporate Director advised that during the year a number of speculative appeals had been lodged as a result of the new evaluation.

Resolved:

That the content of the report be noted.