Agenda item
Strategic Performance and Corporate Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Q1 2012/13 (Month 3)
To receive a report on the financial position of the Council at the end of Quarter 1 compared to Budget, and service performance against targets.
Minutes:
The Chair welcomed Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources. He, together with Alan Finch, Service Head Financial Services Risk and Accountability, introduced and highlighted key points in the monitoring report which detailed the financial position of the Council at the end of Quarter 1 2012/13 compared to budget, and service performance against targets. Kevin Kewin, Service Manager Strategy Policy & Performance was also in attendance for this item.
A discussion followed which focused on the following points:-
· Clarification sought and given with reference to delays in delivery of Decent Homes/ associated slippage in the Capital Programme and the explanation that this was due to changes in the procurement process.
· Noted that the target for the percentage of senior staff that were women had been missed and an explanation and indication of mitigating steps was lacking. Progress on WRC appeared not to extend to women. Councillor Choudhury responded that work was underway to address this. Mr Kewin added that as staff turnover was low it was difficult to make quick progress, but HR initiatives were now in place to support improvement.
· Concern that performance was lower than expected for carers receiving a needs assessment/ review, as this would affect the resilience of the community, and no mitigating steps were outlined. Mr Kewin responded that a number of commissioned providers had yet to submit their datasets, which deflated the outturn; better figures were expected in Quarter 2.
· Written clarification requested on the comment that it was anticipated that resources allocated for the Learning Disability Service would not be required. Would the resources remain available for future contractors? Mr Finch responded that the directorate was indicating here that it would retain the resources until it knew the needs of new providers.
· Concern expressed that targets on the Council’s work programme, particularly relating to NEETs had been missed. Clarification was sought as to the overall target and how much had been achieved. Councillor Choudhury responded that the position was unclear due to Government review of its contractor. Requested that further information be provided at the next OSC.
· If a significant variance against budget or performance targets was reported it would be helpful to Members if there was an associated explanation. Also that standard explanations were not helpful. Mr Finch to action.
· Clarification was sought and given regarding the purpose of the reported virement in the 2012/13 Control Budget relating to Future Sourcing and where the substantial saving associated with Future Sourcing was reported.
· Clarification was sought regarding the reported risk in achieving the income target for Communications. Communications to be asked for an explanation of the variance and this to be reported to the next OSC.
· Clarification was sought, with reference to the programme of works in place to reduce the amount of non-decent housing stock by 2015, as to the cost of maintaining DH standard stock after 2015. Councillor Choudhury responded that it was hoped that expenditure would be less than previously forecast given limited HRA resources. Exact figures to be provided in writing.
· Was the downward direction of travel for collection of housing rent a temporary phenomena or a continuing issue? Mr Finch responded that the reduction was within acceptable tolerance and early in the financial year. However he undertook to request more information from THH.
· Clarification sought as to the contribution to revenue from asset sales. What the difference was between the independent valuation and the value the property sold for, if there was a variance did the Council ensure it achieved the best price. What monitoring arrangements were in place for this. Mr Finch responded that, with the exception of RTB sales which were governed by statutory regulations, Council policy was to obtain market price for asset sales. Councillor Choudhury added that a range of high street surveyors were used to ensure best price. Further information to be provided.
· Clarification sought as to the number of pupils that did not secure their first choice place at primary and secondary school, as this information was required to inform plans for additional provision and any request to Government regarding the lack of school places. Councillor Choudhury responded that a programme was in place to provide more school places, and it was expected that the impact of Government welfare reforms on families would reduce demand. Information to be provided in writing.
· Consideration that in the context of welfare reform and the displacement of families because they could no longer pay rent, there should be a related corporate performance target. Clarification sought if the Council had made an assessment of families potentially affected by welfare reform and what measures it was taking to address their dilemma. Councillor Choudhury responded that a database of those on housing benefit was being examined and work was underway with Job Centre Plus to track those on low income. All those on housing benefit would receive a letter advising of the reforms and that the Council would endeavour to assist them.
The Chair Moved and it was:-
Resolved
That Quarter 1 performance for 2012/13 be noted; and
That the Council’s financial position as detailed in sections 3 and 4 and Appendices 1-4 of the report, be noted.
Action by:
Alan Finch, Service Head Financial Services Risk and Accountability
Supporting documents:
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Strategic Performance and Corporate Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Q1 - 2012-13 - OS Final DG2308121055am, item 6.3
PDF 245 KB
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Appendix 1 - Control Budget (inc Capital) KM2208121533pm, item 6.3
PDF 48 KB
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Appendix 2 - CMBM Month 3 GF KM2208121533pm, item 6.3
PDF 202 KB
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Appendix 3 - CMBM Month 3 HRA KM2208121533pm, item 6.3
PDF 29 KB
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Appendix 4 - Capital Q1 KM2208121533pm, item 6.3
PDF 31 KB
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Appendix 5 - 2012-13 Strategic Performance Q1 PI KM2208121539pm, item 6.3
PDF 511 KB