Mr Mark Green, Director of Finance and Business Improvement, presented the Quarter 1 Budget Report.  Mr Green explained that the Committee was within budget for the first quarter, and was projected to remain within budget for the whole year.

Following questions from the Committee, Mr Green responded that:

·  The surplus generated by Grounds Maintenance was to be reinvested in repairs to the depot.

·  A significant proportion of the underspent Homelessness Prevention budget was expected to be utilised by the end of the financial year, once recruitment was finalised and project work was progressed.

·  The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 had increased Maidstone Borough Council’s legislative responsibilities.  This resulted in a greater number of people seeking assistance from the Council, together with an increase in the duration of time that individuals were accommodated for.  The early trends had been recognised, and reviews were underway to explore appropriate courses of action.

·  The Homelessness Strategy was to be revisited later in the year.

·  The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance item on the Committee Work Programme would provide a greater supply of affordable housing to relieve pressure on the Housing Service.

RESOLVED:

1)  That the revenue position at the end of the first quarter and actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant variances have been identified, be noted.

2)  That the capital position at the end of the first quarter be noted.