Agenda and minutes

Fiona Earl, Acting Finance Manager, to report.

The Principal Accountant introduced Nichola Stretton, Finance Manager, Environment and Development Services.  Introductions were made.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Accountant, detailing performance against the revenue budget for the Environment and Development Services Directorate as at the end of December 2009 and  providing a forecast outturn for the whole of the 2009/10 financial year.

The following issues were highlighted and discussed:-

•         Improved overall position due to identification of further savings, recovery of income within Asset Management, management of vacant posts, moratorium on uncommitted training budget

•         The financial position relating to the Clifton Park Restoration Project

•         Continued decline in planning application fees

•         Reduced Housing Planning Delivery Grant

•         Funding of the Parking initiatives

•         Winter maintenance

•         Benefits of a Salt Barn

•         Agency and consultancy spend

•         Pressures around Office Accommodation and the Land and Property Bank due to a number of buildings being closed and costs being transferred

•         Waste management

•         Position relating to staff seconded to Children and Young People’s Services

Resolved:-  (1)  That the current forecast year end outturn position of an overspend of £227,000 for the Environment & Development Services Directorate based on expenditure and income as at December 2009 and forecast expenditure and income to 31st March 2010 be noted.

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

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item in order for places to be booked.)

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

Street Lighting Conference – 11^th March, 2010 – Newcastle.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors (to be confirmed by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation).