Issue - meetings

A report from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing is attached

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing submitted a report informing Members of the Council’s financial position for the period April to September 2015 and projections for the estimated outturn at the end of 2015/16. The report also provided Prudential Indicators in accordance with CIPFA’s Prudential Code.

Questions and comments were invited and the following issues were raised:

·         In response to a question from Councillor Briggs it was reported that pressure had been received on the Integrated Community Equipment Services budget as a result a new contract with Pennine Care.

·         The Interim Executive Director of Resources explained that the shortfall in parking income was largely a result of increased avoidance and reported that work was ongoing NSL to devise a strategic approach to the issue

·         In response to a question from Councillor Hankey concerning income from property, the Deputy Leader explained that both the Estates Strategy and the Investment Acquisition Strategy were being implemented to ensure underperforming assets were being disposed of.

·         The Chair, Councillor Gartside, raised the issue of children’s social care demand pressures. The Deputy Leader explained the initiatives in place to reduce the projected overspend but highlighted the prescriptive statutory responsibilities and difficulties in predicting the demand for services for young people with complex needs.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing submitted a report informing Members of the Council’s financial position for the period April to September 2015 and projections for the estimated outturn at the end of 2015/16. The report also provided Prudential Indicators in accordance with CIPFA’s Prudential Code.

Delegated decision:

1.   That the financial position of the Council as at 30 September 2015 be noted.

2.   That approval the s151 officer’s assessment of the minimum level of balances.

Reason for the decision:

The report has been prepared in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations relating to budget monitoring.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.