Issue - meetings

The report informed members of the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 31st March 2024 (“Fourth Quarter 2023/24”).

Detailed analysis was set out in the appendices to the report and was summarised in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

The Committee wished to thank the Revenues team for the excellent collection rate, particularly given the cost of living crisis.

In response to queries, the governance and management arrangements for Alliance Environmental Services Ltd (AES) and earmarked reserves in recognition of IT spend were explained to the Committee.

Discussion took place around the reduction in the value of recyclable materials, increased trade income and maximising the amount of waste that could be recycled. 

The works underway in relation to the review of Moorlands House and the assessment of option for the IT system in the Planning Service was noted. Members requested information on the Council’s IT Strategy and were advised that the Alliance: Our Future programme incorporated the Digital Strategy.

The reduction in car parking income was debated, activity levels had reduced and the expectation from parking income may need to be less and reflected in the budget. It was agreed that an analysis of the parking statistics, prior to and after the increased charges, would be provided at a future meeting. 

RESOLVED:

The Finance and Performance Committee:

1)    Noted the Fourth Quarter 2023/24 financial, procurement and performance position detailed in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at 3.3 of the covering report;

2)    Recommend for approval the proposal of reserve movements in Appendix A (Paragraph 2.15);

3)    Recommend for approval the proposals to carry forward unspent capital budget as set out in Appendix A (Paragraph 5.6);

4)    Recommended for approval the inclusion of the Decision Notice fee within the Fees and Charges document. (Paragraph 8.1);

5)    For the Principal Commissioning and Procurement Officer to attend a future meeting to provide further information on local procurement and the proportion of planned procurement that had been completed;

6)    Recommended that members attended the Service Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Panel due to be held on 24 July, in relation to the Waste Reforms report;

7)    For a summary of the Digital Strategy to be provided at the meeting in December.