Issue - meetings

That:

1)        the budget monitoring position for the month ending 31 March 2016 be noted;

2)        the operational update for the period to 30 April 2016 be noted.

(Councillors Pauline Jorgensen and Anthony Pollock declared personal interests in this item)

The Executive considered a report setting out the budget monitoring position up to 31 March 2016 and an operational update for the period to 30 April 2016.

The Leader of Council highlighted a number of areas in the report including the fact that the Financial Director of Optalis had resigned but a temporary Financial Controller had been appointed who was performing well.  In addition Optalis was continuing its impressive performance, not only in providing service to Wokingham Borough, but also talking to other bodies and opening up new opportunities. Councillor Baker thanked the staff in Optalis for their achievements.

In relation to the work of WHL Councillor Baker highlighted that work on Phoenix Avenue and Fosters was effectively underway with Loddon Homes potentially the registered provider.  This was currently awaiting approval by the HCA.   

Councillor Haitham Taylor queried whether it was anticipated that the higher statutory minimum wage would have an impact on Optalis’s costs.  Councillor Pollock responded that it was unlikely that there would be any impact as the costs mentioned in the report related to agency costs and not the increase in minimum wage.  In addition Optalis had signed up to a code of conduct which probably meant that they were paying at or above the new minimum wage already. 

RESOLVED That:

1)        the budget monitoring position for the month ending 31 March 2016 be noted;

2)        the operational update for the period to 30 April 2016 be noted.