Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Resources.

The Chief Officer Resources advised that the report provided the forecast financial outturn position across all portfolios for the financial year 2020/2021 as forecast at 30^th June 2020. The Chief Officer spoke to the report and gave a detailed of the forecast financial position to the end of March 2021 across all portfolios, the forecast outturn for Fees & Charges and the progress on the achievement of the Bridging the Gap Projects for 2020/2021.

The Chief Officer Resources also drew Member attention to the impact on the budget and outlined the funds received. The variances would be further revised at the end of Quarter 2 and would be more refined in line with the specific grants.

The Leader asked that a Cost Pressure Sub Group be arranged as soon as possible in order to discuss ongoing budget pressures. The Leader also asked that if monies in the transformation fund was to be used it be brought to politicians for agreement.

The Leader asked if there was any progress with WG agreeing that Covid related pressures could be capitalised.  He stated that he continually raised it at the WLGA and asked that the Chief Officer Resources raise in treasury meetings. The Chief Officer Resources advised that there was no further information on this decision, however there had been some movement in the Scottish Government therefore she would continue to pursue.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and provided appropriate challenge to the financial outcomes in the report. Consideration was given to the action plans attached at Appendix 4, developed to address the forecast adverse variances at the end of June 2020.