Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.

Members sought clarification on the reserves and overspend position in comparison to the original budget set. Officers advised that they can prepare and circulate a document which would outline the opening balance, where the current spend is in relation to the budget set and where the balance is projected at the end of the financial year.

Members queried the savings with regards to ENV11 and the savings attributed to the recycling boxes and breakages, The item is identified as amber within the report. It indicates that there is going to be an overspend, but that this will be recovered in other areas. Members sought some clarity on this item. Officers advised that waste collection is operating within budget, however the spend on kit remains over budget. The number of boxes will reduce, as the number of paper boxes decrease, as paper is combined with card in the sacks.

Whilst members acknowledged the information provided, it was recognised that in terms of the specific proposals the savings do not appear to have been met. Members advised that this would need to be considered further with the relevant officers.

Members asked officer for an update on Home to School Transport and progress that has been made with regards to this item. Officers advised that they would ask Andrew Thomas, Director or Education and Nicola Pearce, Director of Environment to circulate an update with regards to this item. Cabinet Members, Cllr Simon Knoyle, advised that there has been an update on this item and that information could be circulated on it.

Members asked for an update to the schools’ budget position and any information that is know about school that may be seeking redundancies. Officers confirmed that this item should be considered within the purview of the Education, Skills and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

Members noted that there was a projected £3m overspend on the three middle school budgets. It was confirmed that middle schools are the three 3-16year old schools within the Borough.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.