Issue - meetings

A report is attached on 2016/17 Budget Monitoring and the Progress with Strategic Review Implementation. The recent Cabinet report is attached as an appendix.

Tim Richens, Divisional Director for Business Support introduced the report.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Furse mentioned three aspects of the report; he noted the income from the Thermae Spa; he asked about the payroll shortfall and about the overspend on SEN home to school transport. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Charles Gerrish explained that regarding payroll, the technical project known as ITrent did not create the planned saving in the timescale that was envisaged. He explained that part of the income from the Spa was due to a one off payment. Regarding SEN transport, he explained that schools within the authority are oversubscribed so there are more children being taken to schools outside the authority.

Councillor Barrett asked to be sent the business plan for two weekly waste collections. The Cabinet Member explained that there is no business case yet as the process does not start until next year. Councillor Barrett asked to be sent the business plan when it is produced and asked for it to come to this Panel. The Strategic Director explained that it would normally go to the Communities, Transport and Environment Panel if requested and in any case this would be part of the Budget Report for next year which would be brought to this Panel.

Councillor Jackson asked about Adult Social Care. The Cabinet Member stated that there was additional funding from the 2% Council Tax ‘precept’ last year.

Councillor Becker as about the overspend on Community Services. The Cabinet Member explained that the reason is that the tenders for getting rid of waste came in higher than expected.

Councillor Barrett asked how much the Council are getting for recycling this year. The Cabinet Member explained that part of the contract with Keir enables them to sell the recycling and they take the return on the sale.

Councillor Jackson stated that the reason for the underspend in the housing and planning is because the Development Management and Enforcement Team have won every appeal in the last 12 months.

Councillor Furse asked about the cost of the relocation of the street cleaner depot. The Cabinet Member explained that this cost also relates to the planned move to Pixash.