Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Director for Environment and Development Services, detailing performance against the revenue budget for the Environment and Development Services Directorate as at the end of February 2009 and providing a forecast outturn for the whole of the 2008/09 financial year.

In presenting the April 2008 to February 2009 report, it was reported that an update of the year end position suggested that the Environment and Development Services Directorate’s position had finished the year with a slight under spend, but further work was ongoing to confirm this position.

The Panel acknowledged the work of the Directorate to bring this budget to this position.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the current position be noted.

(2)  That officers be commended on their efforts to manage the Environment and Development Services Directorate’s budget.

Fiona Earl, Principal Accountant, to report.

-           to report on February, 2009 revenue budget monitoring.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Accountant, detailing the performance against the revenue budget for the Environment and Development Services Directorate as at the end of February 2009.   The report also set out a forecast outturn for the whole of the 2008/09 financial year.

Reference was made to the projected overspend of £100,000 which it was explained was a significantly improved position from the previous report. 

It was further explained that the key areas of pressure were:-

-                      shortfall of fee income recovery within Asset Management

-                      Winter Maintenance budget

-                      Unfunded flood related expenses

Reference was made to the measures being sought to reduce these pressures noting that some of these would have a significant impact on service delivery.

It was also pointed out that there was potential for costs to be incurred as a result of the fatality at Fitzwilliam Road which may impact on the 2009/2010 budget.

Members present commented on:-

-                      Waste management savings – noting this would be for 2008/2009 only

-                      Impact of the opening of the new swimming pools

Resolved:-  (1)  That the forecast outturn position of an overspend of £100,000  for the Environment & Development Services Directorate based on expenditure and income as at the end of February 2009, and forecast expenditure and income to the 31st March 2009, be noted.

(2)  That this report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.