Council and democracy

To update Cabinet on the Medium Term Financial Plan of the Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services delivered the report outlining the update on the forecast 2016/17 outturn position as at the end of September 2016.

He continued by stating current projections indicated an over spend of £0.240 million. Members were informed to achieve this position was dependent on in-year mitigating action being identified to be within budget by the end of the year.

Councillor Hebb informed Cabinet the Housing Revenue Account budget, agreed by Cabinet in February 2016, was forecasting an over spend of £0.491 million for 2016/17.  He continued to advise that Officers were reviewing proposals.

The Cabinet Member for Education and Health thanked the Portfolio Holders for Finance & Legal Services, Environment and Transport & Highways for Clean it, Cut it, Fill it. They had driven change and kept on top of the budget.

Councillor Hebb explained that the scheme had not cost a fortune and was best for residents. He continued by thanking the Director of Environment and Place and his team.

Councillor S Little stated that when she took responsibility for her Portfolio there was already a £5 million over spend, she had since reduced that to £4.1 million.

She continued by explaining Children Services had paid for iMPOWER to look at the service and see where improvements could be made. Since October 2016 changes such as lower case loads for Social Workers and seeking other ways to help children other than to admit them into care.

The Leader commented that the Clean it, Cut it, Fill it scheme had been a success and Officers were going above and beyond to ensure that the streets were kept clean and this was being recognised by residents.

RESOLVED That Cabinet:

1.    Noted the forecast outturn position for 2016/17 and the mitigation required in order to manage existing pressures; and

2.    Agreed the funding of £0.190 million to extend the Clean it, Cut it, Fill it initiative to 31st March 2017.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in