Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation, with the following being added as recommendation (2):

(2)       That a report be brought to the next meeting of Cabinet on the impact to residents due to the upcoming removal of the additional £20 Universal Credit payment. 

Councillor Johnson introduced the report and explained that this was the first detailed update and took into account grant funding being claimed through the Welsh Government Hardship Fund.

The projected year end position, without new actions to reduce cost pressures and/or improve the financial return on efficiency planning and cost control was:

Council Fund

• An operating deficit of £0.739m (excluding the impact of the pay award which would be met by reserves)
• A projected contingency reserve balance as at 31^st March 2022 of £5.057m

Housing Revenue Account

·         Net in-year revenue expenditure forecast to be £0.495m higher than budget

·         A projected closing balance as at 31^st March 2022 of £3.978m

The Corporate Finance Manager explained that the report also detailed the position by portfolio; significant variances that month; achievement of planned in-year efficiencies; unearmarked reserves and earmarked reserves.  Claims were continuing to be made to the Welsh Government Hardship Fund.

            The Chief Executive added that specific in year grants might be received and the Council would look to boost reserves wherever possible.  On pay, the NJC negotiations were ongoing so could increase.  On Teachers pay, national negotiations were also ongoing and representations would continue to be made for further funding to meet additional costs, although if unsuccessful and based on a 1.7% uplift, 0.7% would be funded via a grant with the remaining 1% being split equally between the Council and schools.  

In response to a question from Councillor Bithell, the Chief Officer (Social Services) explained that the facility in Mold to help with Out of County placements would be available by summer 2022. 

Members requested that a report be brought to the next meeting of Cabinet on the impact to residents due to the upcoming removal of the additional £20 Universal Credit payment. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report and the estimated financial impact on the 2021/22 budget be noted and

(b)       That a report be brought to the next meeting of Cabinet on the impact to residents due to the upcoming removal of the additional £20 Universal Credit payment.