Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which provided Cabinet with updated information on the:

(a)          forecast revenue and capital outturn for 2021/22, based on the position to 30 September 2021;

(b)          forecast for the council tax and business rates collection fund position at 31 March 2022, based on the position to 30 September 2021; and

(c)           forecast use of and contributions to earmarked, cash limit and general reserves in 2021/22 and the estimated balances to be held at 31 March 2022.

The report also sought approval of the revised capital programme, other budget adjustments and proposed sums treated as outside of the cash limit in year and provided Cabinet with an update on progress towards achieving MTFP(12) savings in 2021/22 (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Sexton responded to Councillor Crute’s question about the impact any short fall in social care funding may have on residents, the care sector and the NHS.

Councillor Bell commended officers for the comprehensive report, and advised that as the pandemic continues to cast a shadow over financial performance and making forecasting challenging, it was pleasing to note that net covid pressures and loss of income are currently forecasted to be fully offset by the covid 19 grant funding from government. He advised that the Audit Committee would at the end of the month receive the external auditor’s value for money assessment, and that it was particularly complementary of the council’s robust financial management, and budget and MTFP processes.

Councillor Hopgood thanked the Corporate Director and his team, and all budget mangers for their effective budget management, and was pleased to note the external auditors finding as outlined earlier. The task of forecasting continues to be difficult when factoring in all of the financial uncertainties faced, however was pleased that overall the forecasting showed that will be able to keep spending within budget, with the financial pressures in children services offset following the budget transfer after the base budget review.

Councillor Shuttleworth spoke of the position with highways and transport infrastructure budgets, and in explaining that they were complex budgets thanked staff for their hard work.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.