The Head of Finance introduced the report and noted that the outturn figures were still subject to external audit and should be viewed as provisional.

The Committee’s adverse variance figure of £1.7 million was mainly due to the pandemic having caused a fall in income for parking and development control. This had been partially mitigated by the government’s Sales, Fees and Charges funding scheme. The Council’s overall outturn for the previous financial year was a £1.2 million underspend, which was largely due to the additional funding provided by central government. However, this funding was one-off in nature so would not strengthen the Council’s underlying budget position.

The Head of Finance highlighted that of the just under £640,000 spent on the Local Plan Review, £57,000 had been financed through the corporate contingency budget. The budget would continue to be monitored.

With regard to capital, the residual budget for flood prevention works, which had been carried forward into the 2021/22 was noted. 

The Senior Business Analyst introduced the performance update and stated that three of the six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) had not reached their target. The Percentage of Priority 2 enforcement cases dealt with in time missed its target by more than 10%; achieving 76% against the 90% target.  This was due to staff turnover, a team restructure and staff sickness alongside a general increase in the number of enforcement cases. Two staff Members had since been recruited.

The processing of major and minor applications had missed its target by 2%, with all of the Committee’s KPIs achieving an amber or green annual status. Positive performance in the delivery of affordable homes and the processing of ‘other’ planning applications was highlighted.

Several Members expressed concern at the number of open enforcement cases and questioned whether further resources were needed. In response to questions, the Head of Planning and Development confirmed that the number of enforcement cases in June was 372; 26 of which were formal monitoring cases, 38 were awaiting determination with respect to a retrospective planning application and 308 live cases. The importance of carrying out thorough investigations into any complaints of planning control breaches, which were time intensive, was highlighted, as they would be required should formal enforcement be pursued.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 4 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 4 be noted; and

3.  The Performance positions as at Quarter 4 for 2020/21, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant issues have been identified, be noted.