Issue - meetings

That:

1)              the significant financial impact of the Covid-19 crisis, as illustrated in the Executive Summary, be noted;

2)              the overall forecast of the current position of the General Fund revenue budget, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), illustrated in the Executive Summary and appendices attached to the report, be noted;

3)              the potential General Fund carry forward requests of £2.113m, as set out in Appendix B to the report, be noted;

4)              an in year supplementary estimate for £1.2m for priority Covid-19 related issues, to be allocated by the Deputy Chief Executive (CFO) in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Housing, be approved;

5)       an in year supplementary estimate for £16,000, for a review and refresh of the Council’s Corporate Plan, be approved.

The Executive considered a report setting out the Revenue Budget monitoring position as at 31 December 2020 including the forecast outturn positions for 2020/21 for the Council’s net revenue expenditure, its General Fund Balance, the Housing Revenue Account and the Schools’ Block funding.

During his introduction the Executive Member for Finance and Housing drew Members’ attention to a number of issues including the recommended carry    forwards of £2,113m into the next financial year and an in-year supplementary estimate.of £1.2m to fund priority Covid related activities as set out in report.  In addition Councillor Kaiser identified other issues which were coming forward including increases in domestic abuse and fly-tipping which were requiring additional support from the Council.

Councillor Clark highlighted the underspend in Children’s Services which had been achieved by closer control on spending as well as focussing on the service’s strategic priorities.  It was noted that the figures within the report were those predicted before the last lockdown so additional costs, as a result of the Council meeting its statutory duties, may come forward.  Councillor Clark advised that she wished to thank all teachers and other school staff for the additional work they were having to carry out in very difficult times and for the fantastic job they were all doing.

In relation to the increase in fly-tipping Councillor Batth was pleased that additional funding was being made available which would enable additional CCTV cameras, extra signage etc to be purchased.  It was also noted that zero tolerance was being adopted towards fly-tipping.  

Councillor Margetts advised that the additional funds would help three areas in Adult Social Care.  These included supporting the expansion of track and trace and the recently launched lateral flow test programme and would also provide support to GPs by assisting with buildings, staff and resources.

RESOLVED that:

1)              the significant financial impact of the Covid-19 crisis, as illustrated in the Executive Summary, be noted;

2)              the overall forecast of the current position of the General Fund revenue budget, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), illustrated in the Executive Summary and appendices attached to the report, be noted;

3)              the potential General Fund carry forward requests of £2.113m as set out in Appendix B to the report be noted;

4)              an in year supplementary estimate for £1.2m for Priority Covid-19 related issues, to be allocated by the Deputy Chief Executive (CFO) in consultation with the Lead Member of Finance and Housing, be approved;

5)       an in year supplementary estimate for £16,000, for a review and refresh of the Council’s Corporate Plan, be approved.