Issue - meetings

(Report of the Director of Finance) To update Members on the financial planning process and to consider the pre business plan reviews for the following business units: Benefits & Local Taxation, Corporate Finance, Corporate Procurement, Property Services

The Executive Member for Finance introduced the report, highlighting the improved Council Tax collection rates and the reduction of the grant from the Government. The Committee asked whether the Council was able to spend more if it raised more through improved Council Tax collection, and it was commented that any surplus could be spent next year but thereafter the rate of Government grant would be adjusted. The Committee raised the issue of processing of benefits claims, and it was commented that the average turnaround time had dropped to 38 days, notwithstanding the need to send back 75% of forms received to the customer for more information.

The New Capital Investment Proposals were discussed, and the Committee raised the issue of investment being budgeted for both the repair and the replacement of Hornsey Town Hall Public Hall roof. It was commented that at the stage of producing the document that a decision had not been taken as to whether to repair or replace the roof, but now it had been decided to go with the replacement option. The Committee agreed to remove the capital investment proposal covering the repair of the roof.

The asset disposal programme was discussed, and it was commented that though the Asset Stream Board did not have any Members on it, Members are informed of any proposals to sell off land that is politically sensitive or in a Member’s ward. The development of Hornsey Town Hall was raised, and it was commented that the Council would pursue all funding options in a twin-track approach. The issue of contractors and consultants on the Council payroll was discussed, and it was commented that a report detailing the plan to control all contractors and consultants centrally would be presented to the Procurement Committee on 6^th December. It was agreed that this report would be circulated to the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee approved the financial planning position set out in the report and the pre-business plan reviews covering Benefits and Local Taxation business unit, Corporate Finance business unit, Corporate Procurement business unit and Property Services business unit with the exception of New Capital Investment Proposal number 4, repairs to Hornsey Town Hall roof. The Committee raised concerns over the central control of contracts, consultants and temporary staff working in the Council, and it was agreed that a report covering this issue would be distributed to the Committee before 12 December 2005.