Agenda and minutes

As this was the first meeting of the Committee each person present introduced themselves and members were encouraged to ask questions throughout the meeting.

Councillor Church was substitute member for Councillor Johnson and Councillor Beswick was substitute for Councillor Fallows.

·       Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

·       Other Interests

The purpose of the report was to inform members of the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 31^st March (“Fourth Quarter 2022/23”). Detailed analysis was provided in the appendices to the report and the overall position was summarised in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

Each section of the report was explained in detail and members had the opportunity to ask questions and scrutinise the information.

Discussion took place around levels of General Fund and other earmarked reserves; the use of surplus interest receipts; reduced pay and display car parking income; waste collection overspend; and the implications of a 0% Council Tax increase on income forecasts for future years.

Concerns were raised in relation to the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants.

It was noted that the collection rates were impressive but should any residents or businesses encounter financial difficulties, members were asked to encourage them to make contact with the Council at the earliest opportunity.

Regarding the percentage of contracts awarded to local suppliers, it was decided that further clarification of the figures was required, and that it would be beneficial for the Council’s Lead Procurement Officer to attend a future meeting of the Committee.

In response to a query around the budget for IT, members were informed that the majority of costs were system and contract related and upgrades were costly. However, efficiencies had been made by investment in IT and were contained within the Efficiency Programme.

Should members wish to receive additional information on the Council’s investments they were welcome to attend a meeting of the Audit & Accounts Committee.

DECIDED: 

1)    That the Fourth Quarter 2022/23 financial, procurement and performance position detailed in Appendices A, B and C be noted;

2)    That Cabinet be recommend to approve the proposals to carry forward unspent capital budget as set out in Appendix A (Paragraph 5.6);

3)    For information on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to be issued to members;

4)    For the Performance Review to be tabled first when the 1^st Quarter Report was considered by the Committee.

It was agreed that the Committee should meet on a quarterly basis.

The Chair to move:-

“That, pursuant to Section 100A(2) and (4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings whereby it is likely that confidential information as defined in Section 100A (3) of the Act would be disclosed to the public in breach of the obligation of confidence or exempt information as defined in Section 10 I (1) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act would be disclosed to the public by virtue of the Paragraphs indicated.”

The Chair moved:-

“That, pursuant to Section 100A(2) and (4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings whereby it is likely that confidential information as defined in Section 100A (3) of the Act would be disclosed to the public in breach of the obligation of confidence or exempt information as defined in Section 10 I (1) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act would be disclosed to the public by virtue of the Paragraphs indicated.”

Members considered applications for the write off of non-recoverable debts.