Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities introduced the report and thanked officers for altering the content to reflect the new Policy Advisory Committees (PACs). The Head of Finance expanded on the content of the report and stated that:

·  The overall financial position at the end of the year was within budget. There was an overspend of just over £1.6 million for this Committee, mainly attributed to the health centre at Lockmeadow, which the Council had managed since the end of David Lloyd’s tenancy, and the vacant lots at Lockmeadow, which were taking longer than expected to fill vacant tenancies;

·  There was an underspend of just under £1.4 million on capital, with slippage in leisure and the with the Town Centre Strategy related to the delays with the local plan review. These funds would be available for next year’s budget;

·  82% of targeted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were met for this quarter compared to 58% for the previous one. 33% of KPIs achieved their annual targets compared to 57% for last year;

·  Footfall at the museum and visitor information centre had seen a slight decline, but the Hazlitt Theatre had sold 74% of tickets; and

·  There had been a high success rate in applications for Planning and Management, exceeding targets with 100% compliance with priority 1 cases for Enforcement.

In response to concerns raised by several Committee Members, the Head of Finance advised that the leisure centre costs, covered under capital, had been more than anticipated due to its unexpected state of disrepair. The longer term dilapidation costs would be recouped but could take a while as this was legally complicated. There were a few areas that were outside Finance’s remit to respond, but it was agreed to return with further information on the Leisure Services overspend, Lockmeadow market, the KPIs of the museum and to confirm which PAC is responsible for the park and ride sites.

The Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities agreed to make enquiries concerning the flood barrier planning and stated that he had been briefed on youth unemployment, which was another statistic of concern.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 4 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 4 for 2023/24 be noted;

3.  The Performance position as at Quarter 4 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 to the report, be noted.