The Director of Finance and Business Improvement introduced the financial information update and highlighted the Council’s £7million budget gap as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had been partially mitigated through government funding. The slippage in the Capital programme had resulted in savings through reduced borrowing costs. The report also detailed the uncollectable Non-Domestic Rates at Appendix 4.

The Senior Business Analyst introduced the performance aspect of the report and noted that two of the three indicators were within 10% of the target. The percentage of successful duty relief outcomes had achieved a figure higher than the same period last year. The percentage of successful duty outcomes was noted as the Housing Options team achieved a positive outcome in three of four cases. Across the Council’s Service Committees, only three indicators missed their target by more than 10% as a direct impact of the pandemic.

The Deputy Head of Audit introduced the risk management update. The 11 top scoring risks and the implementation of planned controls were identified. There was a risk profile reduction for five risks, with no increased risk profiles within the register. Three additional risks focused on the internal and external uncertainties of the pandemic and major contract failure had been created. The risk register would be continually reviewed.

In response to questions it was confirmed that government guidance required the Council to assist the Leisure Centre providers in managing the costs incurred through the pandemic. The Committee expressed support for the work undertaken to produce the report.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 2 for 2020/21, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant variances have been identified, be noted;

2.  The Capital position at the end of Quarter 2, be noted;

3.  The Performance position as at Quarter 2 for 2020/21, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant issues have been identified, be noted;

4.  The Risk Update, attached at Appendix 3 to the report, be noted; and

5.  The uncollectable Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) listed in Appendix 4 to the report, be written off.