Issue - meetings

To test item on agenda

(a)       That having considered the Revenue Budget Monitoring 2019/20 Month 6 report, the Committee confirms that there are no specific matters which it wishes to raise with Cabinet; and

(b)       That having considered the Capital Programme 2019/20 Month 6 report, the Committee confirms that there are no specific matters which it wishes to raise with Cabinet.

The Corporate Finance Manager presented a report on the revenue budget monitoring position for the Council Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and an update on the Capital Programme of 2019/20 at month 6 prior to consideration by Cabinet.

Revenue Budget Monitoring

On the Council Fund, the projected year-end position - without new actions to reduce cost pressures and improve the yield on efficiency planning - was an operating deficit of £2.698m, which was a favourable movement of £0.344m from Month 5.  As set out in the report, this reduction was the result of a one-off delay in spend of -£0.530m at Month 6 which was offset by additional demand pressures totalling £0.186m.  Further work on challenging areas of non-essential spend and recruitment would continue to further reduce the projected overspend.  On the major variances by portfolio, the positive impact of additional winter pressure grant funding from Welsh Government (WG) would be included in future budget monitoring reports.

The projected balance on Contingency Reserves at year-end was £2.171m which was less than previous years.

In response to a question from Councillor Heesom on Central and Corporate Finance, attention was drawn to Table 1 in the report indicating a £0.377m underspend with the detail shown in the appendix.

On car park income, Councillor Bateman was advised that monthly projections had been adjusted in the budget for 2020/21.

In thanking officers, Councillor Banks praised the level of content in the report.

Capital Programme

Changes to the revised programme were mainly due to confirmation of various grant funding streams in-year.  A large proportion of the projected underspend of £5.585m was recommended to Cabinet for carry-forward projects.  Part of the Council’s allocation of Economic Stimulus capital funding was recommended to address Holywell town centre de-pedestrianisation and flooding impact on the highway network.  Funding of approved schemes indicated a shortfall of 0.723m over the three year period.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Johnson and seconded by Councillor Williams.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That having considered the Revenue Budget Monitoring 2019/20 Month 6 report, the Committee confirms that there are no specific matters which it wishes to raise with Cabinet; and

(b)       That having considered the Capital Programme 2019/20 Month 6 report, the Committee confirms that there are no specific matters which it wishes to raise with Cabinet.