Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development introduced the report and stated that:

• There was a moderate underspend for the year with some revenue streams performing better than expected. Significant variances in the Development Control Service Area were attributed to the stage of the local plan review pre-adoption resulting in fewer Major planning applications being submitted and less pre-application advice being sought from the service;
  
  
• The higher than expected service charge costs and empty units at the Business Terrace at Maidstone House led to a shortfall of income. There was also an overspend on the Innovation Centre from increased running costs and a shortfall of income; and
  
  
• There was an underspend on Sandling Road car park, where the running costs were lower than expected.
  
  

In response to a query, the Cabinet Member advised that new tenants for Maidstone House were being sought, with the Council’s rental fees being competitive to support growing businesses. Grant funding had been provided by the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership to expand and renovate the business terrace across the first floor of Maidstone House.

RESOLVED: That

1. The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 3 for 2023/24, 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 for 2023/24 be noted;
   
   
3. The Performance position as at Quarter 3 for 2023/24, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant issues have been identified, be noted; and
   
   
4. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund update, attached at Appendix 3 be noted.