Agenda item

The Director of Finance and Business Improvement introduced the revenue and capital budgets, and progress on the recovery and renewal projects. The revenue budget for the first three quarters showed an underspend, with a predicted year-end underspend of £299,000. The budget would be carried forward in some areas, including Public Health. Variances in capital expenditure were highlighted in Temporary Accommodation, where a significant underspend was presented. This was due to the lack of availability of appropriate properties for sale at a reasonable price, and this budget would be carried forward to the following year. Various initiatives launched as part of the Recovery and Renewal Programme were making progress, and would be reported as they develop.

The Head of Housing and Community Services introduced the performance review and explained why some key performance indicators (KPIs) were monitored but not targeted. The KPIs around prevention of homelessness had met their targets and were performing in the top quarter nationally. The percentage of successful relief duty outcomes was improving despite having missed its target by less than 5%, and had outperformed the Kent and national average for this indicator. The update on percentage of noise complaints followed up with diary sheets by a customer was highlighted as a calculation error from the previous report had been noted and rectified.

In response to questions, the Head of Housing and Community Services explained that the use of the homelessness prevention budget underspend to alleviate pressure from the withdrawal of KCC’s Homeless Connect service would depend on the grant conditions. Within the medium term financial strategy, £150,000 of grant monies had been channelled towards other areas. However the Rough Sleeper Initiative funding bid for the following three years had been submitted and included an element to help mitigate the impact of KCC’s decision to decommission the Homeless Connect service.

There was a national issue, that was also affecting Maidstone, related to those persons who have ‘no recourse to public funds’ and were street homeless. Statute prevented accommodation being provided in these circumstances. Other assistance had been offered but declined by individuals, and the immigration service had been engaged but no resolution had been offered. However, those who did not accept assistance would continue to be approached by the outreach team.

The Head of Environment and Public Realm explained that the positive variance within the capital budget for parks and open spaces was in part due to budgets having been carried forward during the Covid-19 pandemic, and part due to COMF funding being utilised ahead of the internal budget.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 3 for 2021/22, 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 3 be noted;

3.  The Performance position as at Quarter 3 for 2021/22, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant issues have been identified, be noted; and

4.  The Recovery & Renewal Update be noted.