Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced the Revenue Budget Monitoring 2016/17 (Month 2) report which was the first report of the year.  The report provided information on the progress of achieving planned efficiencies against the targets set.  The report did not provide the level of detail which would follow from Month 3 but it did report by exception on significant variances which could impact on the financial position in 2016/17.

            There was a need to realign some budget provision in order that budgeted expenditure more accurately reflected current activity and it was recommended that four budget realignments be made within Social Services portfolio.

            It was also recommended that costs of £0.111M, and any future costs, which related to the settlement of historic child abuse cases be met from the Contingency Reserve.

            Following withdrawal of the Welsh Government Families First grant contribution towards Summer Play Schemes, it was also recommended that a one off support to communities for 2016/17 of £0.076M also be funded from the Contingency Reserve.

            Following a comment from Councillor Attridge, the Chief Executive explained that the figures within the budget did change in-year (a) according to democratic decisions and (b) if a budget pressure was identified in-year and was unable to be borne by the portfolio and had to be taken on corporately. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be received;

(b)       That a budget virement within Social Services to realign the budget to meet service needs be agreed;

(c)        That a contribution from the Contingency Reserve of £0.111m to meet the settlement costs from historic child abuse claims be agreed; and

(d)       That a contribution from the Contingency Reserve of £0.076M to meet one off costs for the Summer Play Schemes be approved.