Agenda item

Joint Report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services and Corporate Director of Resources – presented by the Finance Manager, Resources.

The Chairman introduced the Finance Manager, Philip Curran to speak to Members in relation to the Quarter Four, 2018/19 and Quarter One, 2019/20 Revenue and Capital Outturn (for copy see file of minutes).

The Finance Manager reminded Members of the areas reported upon, the General Fund Revenue Account, and the Capital Programme for the Regeneration and Local Services Service.  

The Finance Manager referred Members to the information relating to Quarter Four 2018/19 with the service reporting a forecast underspend of approximately £1.481 million, against a revised budget of £58.079 million.  It was noted that the last two columns of the table following paragraph 11 should read Quarter Four and Quarter Three.  Members noted the major variances were set out within the report and that the service grouping was on track to maintain spending within the cash limit and more details were contained within Appendix Two to the report.

As regards the Capital Programme, the Finance Manager explained that the revised budget stood at £42.438 million, with a breakdown of the major capital projects given at Appendix Three to the report.  Members noted the spend to date of £31.930 million and the Finance Manager explained some projects would move forward to the 2019/20 budget.

The Chairman thanked the Finance Manager and asked Members for their comments and questions on the Quarter Four, 2018/19 report.

Councillor P Howell noted his frustration in terms of the style of the report, feeling it was not useful for Members or the general public.

The Finance Manager referred Members to the information relating to Quarter One 2019/20, noting a difference in that Corporate Property and Land was included. 

He informed Members that the service was reporting a forecast underspend of approximately £0.820 million, against a budget of £59.407 million.  Members noted that the major variances were set out within the report and that the service grouping was on track to maintain spending within the cash limit and more details were contained within Appendix Two to the report.

As regards the Capital Programme, the Finance Manager explained that the revised budget stood at £67.092 million, with a breakdown of the major capital projects given at Appendix Three to the report.  Members noted the spend to date of £5.671 million and the Finance Manager explained it was expected the budget to be fully committed.

The Chairman thanked the Finance Manager and asked Members for their comments and questions on the Quarter One, 2019/20 report.

Councillor R Crute noted in relation to the concerns raised by Councillor P Howell that there would be budget training for Members, following the conclusion of each of the thematic Overview and Scrutiny Committees.  He added that the report format mirrored that of the Cabinet reports for consistency.  Councillor P Howell noted he welcomed the training and noted issues in terms of capital expenditure and asked if that which was carried over would result in a higher spend in this financial year in order to catch up.  The Finance Manager noted that schemes would carry forward, some programme operating over multiple years.  He added that each quarterly report would set out revised positions, highlighting any slippage in terms of the delivery of schemes.  Councillor P Howell noted the revenue savings were welcomed and he added that if capital was being invested and schemes were being completed then this was also good, it was any delay that was the issue.

Councillor T Tucker referred to an overspend in relation to Housing Solutions and use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation.  The Finance Manager noted the service were looking to reduce the spend in this area, though they needed to be reactive when need arose.

Resolved:  

That the reports be noted.