Decision details

This report sets out the overall financial position facing the Council and highlights the significant risks, issues and uncertainties.

Cabinet noted the comments made by Councillor Lorber who had requested to speak at the meeting in respect of the item.  In addressing Cabinet, Councillor Lorber referred to section 6.9 of the report and sought further details on the status of the additional scheme which it was reported had been added to the Capital Programme pipeline relating to the redevelopment of the Alperton Community Centre.  Having noted the figure included in relation to the scheme (£0.8m), details were sought on any discussions with other interested parties along with any internal project work undertaken and the estimates and assumptions on which the pipeline figure within the report had been based. In addition, concerns were highlighted (following on from the question raised at the Full Council meeting on 11 July 22) regarding the engagement of ward councillors and the local community in the process and development of proposals relating to the site.

In responding to the comments raised, Minesh Patel (Director of Finance) advised that the addition of the Alperton Community Centre to the Capital Pipeline was only as a placeholder.  No business case had been prepared, with the figure provided based on an initial assumption of indicative values.  Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) confirmed he would be willing to arrange for local ward councillors to be updated, should this be requested, with the Council keen to consider options for the site based on available resources.

Having considered the comments made Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the contents of the report and the potential financial impact on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(2)    To agree the budget setting process for 2023/24, including the approach to consultation and scrutiny, as set out in section five of the report.

(3)    To note and agree the proposed 2021/22 capital budget carry forwards and capital virements as set out in section six of the report.

(4)    To note the financial position with regards to the Housing Revenue Account, as set out in section seven of the report.

(5)    To note the financial position with regards to Schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in section eight of the report.