Report no: 27/2021

Cabinet noted the projected revenue outturn for 20/21 and the uncertainty that remains;

Cabinet noted the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s finances and the risks that remain.

Councillor G Brown, as the relevant Cabinet Member, elaborated on the report and noted that as reported at Quarter 2, forecasting likely expenditure during the pandemic was proving challenging. He explained that new duties and requirements emerged on a weekly basis and issues could change very quickly. It was noted that in overall terms, the Council was coming in under budget compared to the budget position and this put Rutland County Council in a strong position compared to many other local authorities who were reporting significant over spends. It was noted that the underspend position was positive but it was possible that the underspend would increase further by the year end depending on the work Council would need to undertake as part of the response to the pandemic.

Councillor Wilby thanked the finance team for their continued hard work.

The Chief Finance Officer commented that the government was encouraging Councils to give business and individuals breathing space to sort out their positions with regards to bad debt and it was reported that in the next financial year, it was likely the Council would see an increase in bad debt provisions.

Councillors Stephenson and Hemsley thanked the finance team and noted that Rutland County Council continued to be a low cost council.

RESOLVED:

That the projected revenue outturn for 20/21 and the uncertainty that remains be noted;

That the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s finances and the risks that remain.