Agenda item

To consider a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support that introduces the Financial Health Monitoring 2018/19 (Month 7) report presented to the Executive Board at its meeting on 19 December 2018.

The meeting was advised that Cllr. Lewis had other engagements to attend and therefore items 8, 9 and 10 were moved up the agenda on the agreement of the Board.

The report of the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support provided Board Members with information with regard to the financial health of those service areas that fall within the remit of the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board.

Members were advised that the financial health monitoring report for month 7 had been considered by the Executive Board at its meeting on 19^th December 2018.

In attendance at the meeting were:

·  Councillor James Lewis – Executive Member for Resources and Sustainability

·  Councillor Jonathan Pryor – Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment

·  Neil Evans – Director of Resources and Strategy

·  Doug Meeson – Chief Officer Financial Services

·  Richard Ellis – Head of Finance

·  Mark Amson – Business Rates Manager

·  John Bywater – Head of Finance

In consideration of the report, the following areas were discussed:

·  Street lighting – The Board was informed that an over spend on street lighting was a reflection of the rise in energy prices. It was noted that action was already being taken to switch street lighting to LED and that whilst there would be initial costs involved, this change would be better economically going forward for the future;

·  Energy costs - Members were advised of how the Council procures energy and manages costs, with reference made to the work being undertaken as part of the Council’s wider Low Carbon Programme;

·  Business Rates - An update in relation to Business Rates reminded Members of the links between Business Rates and the Budget. There was particular discussion surrounding Business Rates appeal cases.  It was noted that the Valuation Office, who deal with appeals, provide figures on a monthly basis and tat figures in December 2018 showed appeals reducing to 1,475.  Whilst it was not possible to provide information on individual appeals, the Board learned of 300 appeal cases outstanding in relation to ATM’s.  Whilst this issue was thought to have been resolved with businesses winning the appeals, it was noted that the Valuation Office is now challenging the decision through the Supreme Court. Until this matter is resolved, these appeals cases cannot be closed out;

·  Parks and Countryside underspend – Further clarification was sought regarding the reasons for the £50k underspend in this service area;

·  Aireborough Swimming Pool refurbishment – Members discussed the financial impact of the delayed refurbishment works, acknowledging that this was a result of additional essential capital works being identified;

·  Kirkgate Market increased security costs – It was noted that security guards had been employed at Kirkgate Market due to Anti-social behaviour around the markets area. It was noted that the Anti-social behaviour had now dropped since the introduction of the security guards;

·  Carnival and Black Music Festival Events – The Board was informed that additional spending had been incurred for such events linked to required safety measures;

·  Nationality Checking Service - More detailed information was requested from Electoral and Regulatory Services in relation to the Nationality Checking Service.

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the content of the report.

b)  That the Board be provided with the information requested.