Agenda item

Integrated Finance and Performance Report (Quarter 3)

Minutes:

The Board considered a report on the Authority’s performance and financial position at 31st December 2008. A number of issues were raised by Members and these were addressed by the Head of Financial Services and the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

There was particular concern in relation to the net cost of services which indicated a projected overspend of £375,000. It was noted that £315,000 of this projected overspend arose from Street Scene and Community.

The Assistant Chief Executive undertook to request the Head of Street Scene and Community to provide Members with additional information regarding (a) the shortfall in the projected income from car parks; (b) the reduction of recycling crews from seven to six and why this had only recently been brought into effect; and (c) the possibility of achieving a further discount on the purchase of replacement vehicles in the light of the current economic situation. There was also a discussion on the possibility of generating additional income by hiring out the Burcot Room which was currently vacant.

The Head of Financial Services answered queries from Members on the Council’s investments including the probable level of interest to be generated over the next few years and on various aspects of sundry debts. In this regard the Head of Financial Services undertook to provide Members with additional information on the breakdown of the outstanding sundry debts in respect of rents and hire charges which amounted to £69,000. There was also discussion on reasons for the projected overspend in relation to Bromsgrove Museum and Haybridge Sports Centre.

In relation to the section of the report relating to performance indicators, the Assistant Chief Executive reported that the previously agreed additional performance clinic on sickness had not yet taken place due to other pressures on workload in Human Resources and Organisational Development at present. It was however intended that the clinic would be arranged as soon as possible.

The worsening position of the indicator relating to the number of domestic burglaries was discussed. It was suggested that Chief Inspector Amanda Bott who had recently been appointed to the Bromsgrove area be invited to attend a future meeting of the Board to discuss this issue further.

The Assistant Chief Executive undertook to circulate to Members more detailed information on the complaints received particularly in relation to those relating to flooding.

RESOLVED:

(a) that it be noted that 62% of performance indicators for which data was available were improving or stable;

(b) that it be noted that 79% of performance indicators for which data was available were achieving their year to date target;

(c) that it be noted that 87% of performance indicators for which data was available were predicted to meet their target at year end;

(d) that the successes and areas for potential concern as set out in the Council Summary section of the report be noted; and

(e) that the financial projected revenue underspend of £322,000 and capital underspend of £39,000 be noted

RECOMMENDED:

(a) that the Cabinet recommend to the Council the release of £150,00 from balances to meet the projected overspend in relation to Bromsgrove Museum and Haybridge Sports Centre; and

(b) that officers be requested to investigate the possibility of hiring out the Burcot Room in order to generate additional income.

Supporting documents: