Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Revenue Budget Monitoring Report 2016/17 (Month 2) be approved; and

(b)       That the Committee confirms that, on this occasion, there is nothing which it wishes to be brought formally to the attention of the Cabinet.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced a report on the revenue budget monitoring position for Month 2 of 2016/17 for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) prior to its consideration at Cabinet on 19 July 2016.  As in previous years, this was an exception based report due to the necessary resources required at this time for the closure of the 2015/16 accounts.  A number of proposed budget realignments were reported, including those set out in paragraph 1.06 for Social Services.  The emerging risk and issues identified across portfolios had been raised at this early stage, however a more detailed position would be given in the Quarter 1 report in September.  An update was also shown on the proposed use of contingency reserves in respect of Legal Services and Leisure.  Officers noted the error in section 1.10 of the report which was pointed out by Councillor Arnold Woolley.

Councillor Richard Jones raised queries on parking charges as part of the proposed budget realignments in Streetscene & Transportation.  The Chief Executive spoke about the risks in not achieving income targets and the delays in implementing the scheme in Flint due to the current movement of parking and traffic in the town.  He gave explanation on the amended scheme to be introduced at County Hall, following negotiations with Trades Union colleagues.  In response to further questions, he said that the site differed to the other car park sites and had not been excluded from the scheme originally put forward.  He went on to provide a brief update on the proposed changes to the Essential Car User scheme, as reported to the Audit Committee, for which a challenging efficiency target had been set.

When asked by Councillor Paul Shotton about the potential to roll out ‘2-part’ parking tickets across the county, the Chief Executive said that this might be feasible with the support of local businesses.  A 12 month review of the parking strategy was due to be considered at the next Cabinet meeting.  Having declared an interest, Councillor Richard Jones explained that he had been granted dispensation to speak in respect of car parking charges.  He pointed out the need for the majority of traders to support the 2-part ticket scheme in their area, pointing out that not all traders were in favour of it.

The Chief Executive agreed to follow up an issue reported by Councillor Peter Curtis regarding a problem with a car park in Holywell where charges did not apply.

Councillor Shotton referred to the request for one-off funding support for summer play schemes due to the withdrawal of grant funding which was a concern for Town/Community Councils.  The Chief Executive said that this was an ongoing risk requiring review.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Revenue Budget Monitoring Report 2016/17 (Month 2) be approved; and

(b)       That the Committee confirms that, on this occasion, there is nothing which it wishes to be brought formally to the attention of the Cabinet.