Decision details

The Chief Officer, Financial Services, submitted a report which provided an update on the financial health of the Authority in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account as at month 6 of the 2021/22 financial year.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, clarification was provided regarding a policy change which had been confirmed by Government in relation to claims for Empty Rate Relief and the positive impact that this would have on the Council’s budgetary position moving forward.

In response to a Member’s request for an update on the projected overspend in respect of the Waste Management service and on the service’s operational matters, the Board received a brief update regarding collection rates, with Members being advised that it was intended for a report to be submitted to the December 2021 Executive Board.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received details regarding the allocation of Waste Management staff during the period of the year when brown bin collections ceased, with it being noted that for the forthcoming period, that extra capacity would be utilised to manage the excess black bin waste which continued to be generated. 

With regard to the forecasted underspend for energy costs in relation to street lighting, Members were advised that this was due to the fact that the Council was locked into a tariff which currently protected the Authority from increased energy prices in this area, and in addition, it was noted that the progress being made in respect of the LED programme also enabled an element of cost benefit.

Responding to a Member’s question, the Board received further information on the projected staffing underspend within the Highways and Transportation service.

Finally, the Board received an update with regard to the highways gritting service and its preparedness for winter, with it being noted that the depot was currently well stocked.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the Authority at the end of September (Month 6), as detailed within the submitted report, be noted, together with the projected impact of COVID-19 on that position;

(b)  That, as at the end of August 2021, it be noted that for 2021/22 the Authority is forecasting an overspend of £1.234m;

(c)  That it be noted that the position as reported does not reflect the potential effects of any further local or national lockdown arrangements on the financial projections.

(At the conclusion of this item, Cllr Rafique left the meeting room)