Issue - meetings

The Interim Head of Finance and the Equalities and Corporate Policy Officer presented the 2^nd Quarter Performance and Budget Monitoring report.  As a result of a shortfall in planning application income, particular major planning applications, and to a lesser extent parking income there was forecast to be a £410k overspend by year end.  Details of the planning income issue were being investigated with reconciliation of figures between finance and planning systems currently underway and a further update would be provided at Quarter 3 stage.

There were four targeted KPIs with 1 green, 2 amber and 1 red.  The red target was for planning appeals success which was improving based on recent (3 month) performance.  The Committee were updated on the number of enforcements, with 214 open cases of which 153 were pending consideration.  A comparison of figures was requested for the next report so that the Committee could put the amount of work in context.

The Committee recognised the size of the financial issue and requested that they were updated sooner than quarter 3 once the detailed reconciliation work was complete.  The Committee considered what action could be taken regarding the shortfall with discussions on the way fees and charges were set, staffing levels and the reasons for the parking shortfall.

In considering the matter the Committee recommended that it be picked up as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy considerations.

RESOLVED:

1.  The revenue position as at the end of Quarter 2 for 2019/20, 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; and

3.  The Performance position as at Quarter 2 for 2019/20, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the positions, where significant issues have been identified, be noted.