Agenda item

Peter Stuart, the Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report.  He confirmed that the final revenue position for the year was an under-spend of £799,000 mainly due to over performance on income.  The additional income predominantly related to rent, car parking charges, recycling credits and asset-generated income.  He noted that there had been similar over-performance in treasury management interest and the local authority property fund; and that the purchase of two tenanted commercial properties would continue to provide rental income in the future.

The Members welcomed the report and noted the prudent way the Council’s funds are managed.  They noted that Members and Officers should be commended for their efforts.  Members observed the increase in award of disability grants enabling residents to live independently at home or be discharged quicker from hospital.  The Leader noted the positive impact of these grants on peoples’ lives.

The Cabinet Member for Community highlighted the installation of Changing Places facilities in the main towns and funds provided to medical practices in Haywards Heath and Lindfield.

The Deputy Leader noted her approval in the way Council funds are managed and the additional income from investment properties would allow for improvements in services. 

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth acknowledged the new investment in technology for car parking  from Reserves and the replenishment of funding towards economic and community grants.  The Head of Corporate Services confirmed that if there had been no underspend then a contribution could have been made from the General Reserve.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery welcomed the report and noted that the boost of grants to communities can make a real difference to the street scheme and landscapes. The opportunities to bid for these grants should be well publicised.

The Cabinet Member for Housing confirmed the progress of the temporary accommodation project and noted that six houses were occupied, four more had been purchased and one had recently been returned by Clarion, for a total of 11 properties.  He confirmed that one occupant of the temporary accommodation now has a permanent home.

The Cabinet Member for Customer Service welcomed the use of reserves to support small businesses to use digital technology.

The Leader commended the report which resulted in a positive end to the financial year and thanked the Head of Corporate Resources.  The Council were now in a position of financial strength especially as the Council no longer receives grants from central government.  There had been no cuts to services and a significant investment in areas. 

The Leader then moved to the recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet noted the contents of the report, and recommended to Council:

(i)  that grant income as set out in paragraph 13 to 18 and 20 to 25 of this

report be transferred to Specific Reserves;

(ii)  that grant income as set out in paragraph 19 of this report be transferred to

General Reserve;

(iii)  that balance of interest totalling £360,127 as set out in paragraph 27 is

transferred to the General Reserve;

(iv)  that Dividend income totalling £17,369 as set out in paragraph 30 is

transferred to the General Reserve;

(v)  that the 2019/20 capital programme be increased by £966,000 as a result of slippage of some 2018/19 capital projects as detailed in Table 2;

(vi)   that £14,823 be transferred to the Car Parking Strategy Specific Reserve as    detailed in Appendix C note 32;

(vii)  that £3,177 be transferred to Burgess Hill Growth Specific Reserve as

detailed in Appendix C note 17;

(viii) that the revenue underspending in 2018/19, totalling £459,000, be

             transferred to Specific Reserves as set out in Table 1.