The Committee considered the report of Mr Mark Green, the Director of Finance and Business Improvement which provided an overview of the revenue budgets and outturn for the third quarter of 2017/18 and highlighted financial matters that might have a material impact on the Medium Term Financial Strategy or the Balance Sheet.

Mr Green advised that there had been a positive variance on the budget as at 31^st December 2017.  However, current projections indicated that it would be significantly reduced by year end.

The Committee noted that:-

·  There had been good performance on Grounds Maintenance where  additional work had been generated from Section 106 agreements.

·  As the Council acquired more of its own properties, the expenditure for overnight accommodation from external sources would reduce.

In response to questions from Members, the Officers advised that:-

·  The savings identified for CCTV in the Medium Term Financial Strategy were over a 3 year period.  There had been problems with flooding at the Town Hall which may have a bearing on the budget.

However, there had been a number of cameras that had been
switched off which had resulted in the lines being disconnected and therefore some savings had been made.

It was noted that a report would be coming to the April Committee meeting to update Members. 

·  In regard to the staff shortages at the Depot, there had been changes to shift patterns which had  meant that the team were unable to react to staff sickness as effectively as they would have wished.  However, the budget had been reviewed and there was more resource available to deal with sickness positively and also the night shifts cleaning up A Roads had now stopped which had seen a reduction in the overtime budget.

·  In the Housing Inclusions Section there had been a couple of vacancies, one of which had been filled and the team were in the process of recruiting to the other post.

·  The additional spend on fly tipping and materials had been due to the fact that when presenting the waste to KCC it had not been put in their required bags etc.  Therefore additional colour sacks had to be purchased.

In terms of the composite of the fly-tipped material, if it was asbestos, chemicals or oils, these had to be disposed of by specialist companies which would be an additional cost to the Council.

RESOLVED:

1)  That the revenue position at the end of the third quarter and the
  actions being taken or proposed to improve the position where
  significant variances have been identified be noted.

2)  That the position with the capital programme be noted.