5 Revenue Budget Monitoring Outturn 2023-2024 PDF 214 KB
Additional documents:
Decision:
Following
scrutiny, the report was noted.
Minutes:
Members
considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.
Members
queried the fostering underspend of £253k as set out on page 279 of the agenda
pack. It was confirmed by officers, that when the budget it set, the figure is
set in accordance with expected foster placements for the year. The figure set
out in the report refers to inhouse foster placements. The number of placements
during the year has decreased, therefore the figure related to this item has
also decreased. The cost relates to the number of placements, not the number of
carers.
Members
queried the underspend on free school meals of £238k. Officers confirmed that
when the budget was set, the grant funding which has been received towards this
cost was not included. The grant funding was not known at the time of setting
the budget, therefore could not be included until it was confirmed.
Members
referred to the overspend in relation to the unachieved vacancy management
savings in the Social Services budget. Member were concerned that this is used
as a mechanism in the budget, however it appears that it is not being achieved.
Officers confirmed that each directorate has been given a 5% vacancy management
target. This has been achieved across the Council, albeit this may not be
reflected in individual directorates.
Members
referred to the overspend of £209,000 in the Social Services budget, in
relation to the system that was implemented which was going to be funded from
reserves. Officers confirmed that the authority did hold sufficient reserves to
pay for the new system and that the overspend indicted is a presentation issue
within the report.
Members
referred to the council tax collection rate and it was acknowledged that the council
has collected more than it budgeted for. Members were concerned that this was
not accurately forecast and queried if any action would be taken to ensure that
the council tax income forecast was accurate moving forward. Officers advised
that this would be considered when the rate is set in November, however there
were a couple of items to note in relation to this. Firstly, that there is
current uncertainty in employment for the forthcoming year, within the borough
and also the forthcoming year will see the premiums on second and long-term
empty homes introduced. These may have an impact on the collection rate.
Following
scrutiny, the report was noted.