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APPENDIX 1 – THIRD QUARTER BUDGET MONITORING
 

 

 


Contents

 

Part A: Third Quarter Revenue Budget 2023/24

    

A1)    Revenue Budget   

A2)    Significant Variances                                           

                                                                 

Part B: Third Quarter Capital Budget 2023/24    

B1)    Capital Budget  

B2)    Significant Variances                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  

Part A - Third Quarter Revenue Budget 2023/24A1)  Revenue Budget: Housing, Health & Environment (HHE) PAC

A2.1  The table below provides a detailed summary of the budgeted net expenditure position for the services reporting directly into HHE PAC at the end of Quarter 3. The financial figures are presented on an accruals basis (i.e. expenditure for goods and services received, but not yet paid for, is included).

The budgets used in this report are the revised estimates for 2023/24.

A2.2  This table now shows the variance split between expenditure and income to give more of an insight into the nature of the variance.

 

HHE Revenue Budget: NET EXPENDITURE (@ 3rd Quarter 2023/24)

 

By Cabinet Member

 

 

A2)  HHE Revenue Budget: Significant Variances

A2.1  Within the headline figures, there are a number of both adverse and favourable net expenditure variances for individual cost centres. It is important that the implications of variances are considered at an early stage, so that contingency plans can be put in place and, if necessary, be used to inform future financial planning.  Variances will be reported to each of the Policy Advisory Committees on a quarterly basis throughout 2023/24.

A2.2  The table below highlights and provides further detail on the most significant variances at the end of Quarter 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HHE PAC Variances (@ 3rd Quarter 2023/24)

                                   

 

Positive Variance

Q3

Adverse

Variance

Q3

Year End Forecast Variance

 

Housing, Health & Environment

£000

Dog Control – The number of stray dogs that need to be dealt with continues to be a significant issue. Growth has been provided for in the budget next year.

 

-38

-54

Commercial Waste Services – Income from blue sacks has been higher than forecast, and there is an underspend on staffing costs.

38

 

60

Homeless Temporary Accommodation - This continues to be a significant issue as the demand for the service continues to be high. The cost-of-living crisis and issues with getting people out of temporary accommodation are the main challenges at present. Further properties are being acquired to help alleviate the pressure on this budget.  The variance has increased from that reported last month principally because of an allowance being made against non-recovery of rent. Although the rent would normally be covered by Housing Benefit, there are occasions due to the rapid turnover in temporary accommodation that occupants fail to make or complete their claim.

 

-747

-990

Environmental Protection Section – Recruitment has been an issue, with a number of vacant posts in the team, which has led to an underspend.

65

 

84

Depot Services Section – There have been a number of vacant posts in this team during the year.

88

 

90

Fleet Workshop & Management – Spend has been less than forecast on vehicle maintenance and hire.  The service aims to keep the fleet up to date rather than keeping vehicles on the road longer than is cost-effective.

54

 

62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part B - Third Quarter Capital Budget 2023/24
 

 

 

 

 


B1)  Capital Budget 2023/24 (@ 3rd Quarter 2023/24)

 

B2)  Capital Budget Variances (@ 3rd Quarter 2023/24)

 

Housing, Health & Environment

Private Sector Rented Housing/1,000 Homes Affordable Housing Programme - A number of schemes are at various stages of development at present. Some schemes will also contain elements of both private rented and affordable housing so the costs may change depending on the mix at the sites where this happens.

 

The projected slippage for the Maidstone East Commercial Development and the Heather House Community Scheme reflects that the progress on the wider schemes of which they are a part has not moved on as far as the initial programme anticipated. These budgets will be slipped into 2024/25.

 

Temporary Accommodation – There have been a significant number of acquisitions to date this year, and the team continue to seek suitable properties. A small number of further acquisitions are anticipated in the final quarter.

 

Continued Improvements to Play Areas – The projected slippage is a sum set aside for the refurbishment of the Penenden Heath play area, which is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2024/25.

 

Flood Action Plan - The flood action plan budget was set up to allow the Council to deliver, or contribute towards, schemes that would mitigate flood risk.  At this stage, the only schemes that have been identified have been small scale natural flood management schemes.  Officers are discussing with counterparts in the Environment Agency, Kent County Council and the Upper Medway Internal Drainage Board what can be done to promote appropriate and practical schemes in the future.

 

CCTV Upgrade & Relocation – This is an unbudgeted cost relating the scheme which took place in 2020. The contractor contacted the Council and advised us that there was a final payment due. Officers reviewed the position and agreed that this was the case, and the payment was made.