Council and councillors

(KEY DECISION)

Report No. 96/2015 from the Director for Resources was received.

The Portfolio Holder for Places (Development and Economy) and Resources, Mr T King, introduced the report the purpose of which was to inform Cabinet of the draft outturn figures (subject to audit) for the financial year 2014/15 and provide an update on the status of the 2015/16 budget. In reporting the outturn, Cabinet and where necessary Council is being asked to carry forward some budgets to 2015/16, approve some additional requests for funding for 2015/16 and agree ceilings for earmarked reserves.

During consideration, the following points were noted:

1. The report demonstrated that the Authority was in a positive position having met its budget for the year 2014/15.  A significant amount of useful detail had been included by the report writer;
2. The report included Council Recommendations to carry forward funds not spent, to the following year;
3. The planned Transport Review should be completed as soon as possible as there were pressures in this area;
4. There were pressures around building control at Oakham Enterprise Park;
5. The cost associated with the number of interims employed in key service areas would be dealt with in a report in the Autumn; and
6. The recommendations would allow the Council to start planning for the future on a secure financial basis.

DECISIONS

1)    Cabinet NOTED the 2014/15 revenue and capital outturn position and general fund position at 31 March 2015;

2)    Cabinet APPROVED the revenue budget carry forwards of £446k as outlined in Appendix 1, para 1.25;

3)    Cabinet APPROVED the use of £432k from earmarked reserves to meet additional costs in 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 1, para 1.33;

4)    Cabinet APPROVED the use of £25k of General Fund to meet the additional cost of Insurance in 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 1, para 4.5;

5)    Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that ceilings be set for each earmarked reserves as set out in Appendix 1, para 1.31;

6)    Cabinet RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL the contribution of £1m to earmarked

reserves from under spends in 2014/15 as set out in Appendix 1, para

1.22;

7)    Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL the establishment of a new earmarked reserve for Insurance and Legal costs with a ceiling of £100k as set out in 1.23;

8)    Cabinet APPROVED the capital budget carry forward of £50k for Disabled

Facilities grants as explained in Appendix 1, para 2.2;

9)    Cabinet NOTED the updated 2015/16 budget (taking into account carry forwards and decisions made by Cabinet/Council since the budget was

approved in February) set out in Appendix 1, para 4.2;

10)Cabinet NOTED the further potential savings and pressures on the 2015/16

budget as set out in Appendix 1, para 4.5;

11)Cabinet APPROVED the removal of the increased car parking charge for market days on a trial basis for 6 months; and

12)Cabinet NOTED that the MTFP will be updated when further funding announcements are made by Government.

Reason(s) for the Decision(s)

As the Council is required to make savings over the medium term, the outturn

position is positive. The approval of budget carry forwards will allow the

2015/16 budget to be updated to reflect spending plans.