Decision details

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Finance) submitted a report informing Members of the Council’s financial position for the period April 2014 to September 2014 and a projection of the  estimated outturn at the end of 2014/2015.

The report also set out a proposed series of measures to curb spend in 2014/15 and proposed that this continue into 2015/16, as detailed in paragraph 3.7 of the report submitted. The report included Prudential Indicators in accordance with CIPFA’s Prudential Code.

Delegated decisions:

1.   That the financial position of the Council as at 30 September 2014 be noted.

2.   That approval be given to the s151 Officer’s assessment of the minimum level of balances.

3.   That approval be given to the series of measures to curb spend in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, to be implemented with effect from 1 December 2014. The measures are as follows:

·      Freeze on external recruitment (exceptions to be signed off by Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development); internal recruitment will continue to support the redeployment process.

·      Re-launch Work Life Balance options around reduced hours / purchase of leave;

·      Cease all but essential spend on stationery, office equipment etc.;

·      Any spend >£500 to be signed off by Executive Director.

4.   That it be noted that Executive Directors have been requested to:

·         Review the use of all casual/ agency staff/consultants;

·         Review arrangements for overtime/additional hours;

·         Review training commitments;

·         Review spend on IT/ Communications.

Reason for the decision:

The report provides important financial information on the performance of the Council budget and identifies spending pressures and measures to curb spend.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.