[Report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Health.] Cabinet to consider Quarter 1 budget monitoring report which will provide forcast spend against budget and consideration of any proposed budget virements.
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Health introduced the report which set out the 2017/18 Quarter 1 (Q1) financial position; including Revenue, Capital, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
The report highlighted the continuing budget challenges for the Council with increased demand for services and the impact of austerity. There was a £6.2m overspend in the General fund and £0.4 overspend in the HRA.
The overspend in Children’s Service would need to be considered in the context of the recent LGA report, which described the budget challenges and pressure in Children’s Services across the country. Nonetheless, the Council were working hard to address the challenges.
The Cabinet Member had further asked the interim CFO to include more detail on how the council addresses the overall budget overspend, in the next budget monitoring report.
There were questions from Councillor Brabazon, Engert and Morris and the following information noted.
· In relation to paragraph 7.9, which set out the increased cost for care packages for younger adults with special educational needs, this overspend was connected with issues concerning trajectories and estimates instead of the choice around how the service was being delivered. The key aim was to provide outcomes that were sustainable and this principal would be followed when considering how the service will be delivered.
RESOLVED
Reason for Decision
A strong financial management framework, including oversight by Members and senior management, is an essential part of delivering the Council’s priorities and statutory duties.
Alternative Options Considered
This is the 2017/18 Quarter 1 budget monitoring financial report. As such, there are no alternative options
Supporting documents: