Issue - meetings

This report sets out the forecasts as at 30 September of income and expenditure against the revenue budget for 2017/18, and other key financial data. The actual spend information in the report is to the 31 August 2017, and the forecasts were prepared and finalised as at 30 September.

RESOLVED:

13.1    The overall financial position and the actions being taken to manage the issues arising be noted; 

13.2.   The fact that the overspend of £0.8m across nursing and homecare will be offset through short term one-off improved Better Care Fund resources, which are currently available until 2019/20 only, be noted. The government has committed to finding a longer term solution for the funding of adult social care; and

13.3.   The Chief Finance Officer be delegated the authority to increase existing Capital Programme budget lines to reflect additional spending funded by ring-fenced grants or contributions, in line with agreed policy objectives.

Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of the Council, introduced the report setting out the forecasts as at 30 September of income and expenditure against the revenue budget for 2017/18, and other key financial data.

Councillor McLennan informed Members of the Cabinet that the actual spend information in the report is to 31 August 2017, and the forecasts were prepared and finalised as at 30 September.

Members of the Cabinet noted that the outlook for local government as a whole remains challenging, and the extent of the challenge remains uncertain given the developing national policies on matters such as exiting the EU, health and social care, and the new policy announcements made through the conference season.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, stated that this outturn forecast means the Council cannot be complacent. He said that there are still notable risks, which are outlined in the report, and there is extensive work necessary to deliver the savings on procurement and income generation through the civic enterprise strategy.

RESOLVED:

13.1    The overall financial position and the actions being taken to manage the issues arising be noted; 

13.2.   The fact that the overspend of £0.8m across nursing and homecare will be offset through short term one-off improved Better Care Fund resources, which are currently available until 2019/20 only, be noted. The government has committed to finding a longer term solution for the funding of adult social care; and

13.3.   The Chief Finance Officer be delegated the authority to increase existing Capital Programme budget lines to reflect additional spending funded by ring-fenced grants or contributions, in line with agreed policy objectives.