Agenda item

Consideration was given to report of the Chief Officer Resources.

The Chief Officer Resources presented the report which provided Members with the forecast financial outturn position across all portfolios for the financial year 2019/20, and reviewed the actions taken forward to move towards a balanced outturn position.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.  The forecast end of year adverse variance had increased by £57k since quarter 2.  Four portfolios were forecasting adverse variances totalling £0.216m, however, there were a number of cost pressures identified across all portfolios.  Appendix 1 highlighted those services where the adverse variance exceeded £15k, and Action Plans to address those cost pressures were highlighted in Appendix 4.

The following points were then raised by Members:

Meals on Wheels

A Member referred to the increase in the adverse variance within Meals on Wheels, and questioned whether the service was being promoted within hospitals etc.

The Head of Community Services confirmed that marketing was being undertaken, as this was identified as part of the review of the service, but unfortunately the amount of meals being requested had seemed to plateau.  The adverse variance was a carryover, and was the result of unrealistic income targets. 

Littering and Dog Control Orders

A Member asked whether the adverse variance was money owed to the Authority in the way of fixed penalty notices.

In response the Chief Officer Resources explained that the adverse variance was due to the fact that less fines were being generated.

The Member said he understood that Public Protection had agreed to extend the current enforcement contract and asked whether this would increase the adverse variance further.

The Head of Community Services said under the new contract arrangements there would be zero cost to the Authority.

Cwmcrachen Caravan Site

A Member expressed concern regarding the adverse variance, and the Head of Community Services confirmed that measures were being put in place to address the issue.

ICT Service

In response to a question raised by a Member the Chief Officer Resources reported that the updated forecast for the ICT Service was a balanced budget.

Flood Defence & Land Drainage

A Member referred to the recent flooding experienced within the Borough and asked whether a more prudent budget should be put in place for future years.

The Chief Officer Resources said it was predicted that the current budget of approximately £55k would be utilised this year.  However, any future issues arising could be considered as part of the budget setting process.

The Head of Community Services said the budget was proportional in terms of the Authority’s Flood Management Action Plan which was reported to Scrutiny on an annual basis.  In relation to the recent flooding there would be opportunity to bid for Welsh Government funding, and he confirmed that the Action Plan would be closely monitored to establish future requirements.

Grounds Maintenance (Income from letting of playing fields, ground rent & wayleaves)

A Member requested more detailed information on the income generated, and the Chief Officer Resources undertook to investigate.

Environmental Health (Public Protection collaboration with Torfaen CC)

A Member asked whether the end of the collaboration arrangement with Torfaen had attributed to the adverse variance.

The Chief Officer Resources said the revised estimate was based on an income stream of £108k, but it was likely that £86k would be achieved.  She undertook to check whether this was the result of the end of the collaboration.

A further brief discussion ensued when Officers clarified points raised by Members regarding various budgets.

Councillor W. Hodgins left the meeting at this juncture.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and noted the action plans attached at Appendix 4, developed to address the forecast adverse variances at the end of December 2019 (Option 1).