Issue - meetings

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report for the first quarter of this financial year. He noted that savings had been made on insurance premiums and noted the proposals on page 25. He informed Cabinet that there had been a delay in the demolition of the Martlets Hall because of asbestos, work would commence again on 26 September with a new contractor and the anticipated timescale for the work is 8 weeks.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth welcomed the extra funding to help with the restructure of the Corporate Estates department. He asked whether the officers had confidence that tenants would maintain the leased properties to the required standard.

The Head of Corporate Resources noted that the recent restructure was to ensure that the Council has more skilled staff to manage the Council’s growing portfolio of properties.

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services welcomed the allocation of increased funding for work on trees in the District.

The Leader confirmed that the report indicated a strong start to the financial year. He also welcomed the increased funding for tree maintenance and noted the receipt of supplementary rents. He highlighted the utilisation of Section 106 funds to improve playgrounds.

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Environment supported the proposed improvements to playgrounds.

The Cabinet Member for Customer Service asked why the service charges on BACs payments had not been budgeted for.

The Head of Corporate Resources confirmed that the payment card industry had unexpectedly added fees.

The Deputy Leader noted the Council’s good financial planning and welcomed the underspend which will be used to assist the Council through more challenging times. She commented that it was fortunate that the Council had been able to acquire more properties last year and this was due to efficient financial planning of the Council.

The Leader took the Cabinet to recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet recommended to Council for approval:

(i) that £280,925 grant income relating to Flexible Homelessness Support Grant be transferred to Specific Reserve as detailed in paragraph 21;

(ii) that £27,765 grant income relating to Preventing Homelessness Grant be transferred to Specific Reserve as detailed in paragraph 22;

(iii) that £457,000 of the revenue underspend be transferred to Specific Reserves as detailed in paragraph 23;

(iv) the variations to the Capital Programme contained in paragraph 33 in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure rule B3.

To note:

(v) the remainder of the report.