Issue - meetings

To consider a report by Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance and Assets (copy enclosed) detailing the latest financial position and progress against the agreed budget strategy.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       notes the budgets set for 2014/15 and progress against the agreed budget strategy;

(b)       approves the transfer of £100k funding to a reserve to fund school broadband enhancements in 2015/16, and

(c)        a letter be sent to the Welsh Government regarding the Cabinet’s concerns in respect of the Minister’s proposals in relation to TAITH.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill presented the report detailing the latest financial position and progress against the agreed budget strategy.  He provided a summary of the Council’s financial position as follows –

·        a net under spend on the revenue budget of £639k was forecast for service and corporate budgets

·        savings of £7.1m were agreed as part of the budget and at this stage 90% had been achieved with 10% in progress

·        highlighted other key variances from budgets or savings targets relating to individual service areas, and

·        a general update on the Housing Revenue Account, Housing Capital Plan and the Capital Plan (including the Corporate Plan element).

Cabinet was also asked to approve the transfer of £100k funding to a reserve to fund school broadband enhancements in 2015/16.

Discussion focused on the following –

·        the Corporate Director Economic and Community Ambition responded to questions regarding Rhyl Harbour Development confirming it had a good uptake during its first year – a more detailed review would be undertaken following its first full year of operation

·        concerns were raised regarding Welsh Government’s budgetary decisions whereby various grants were being awarded (and in one case removed) at such a late stage in the financial year that it caused difficulties for Councils planning their financial strategies and funding plans – particular reference was made to Welsh Government’s late decision to award Councils £1.5m to spend on play equipment by the end of March 2015 whilst simultaneously imposing significant budget cuts – it was considered that if funding was available it should be allocated beforehand to help shield Councils against the worse cuts

·        concerns were also raised regarding the future of TAITH as much of the responsibility of that regional board had been disbanded by the Welsh Government – whilst plans could be made on a regional basis, local authorities would need to bid for funding individually and not on a coherent basis. Councillor Eryl Williams stated that the regional model had worked effectively and discontinuing that work was a retrograde step and out of line with the Welsh Government’s vision for regional collaboration – he asked that the matter be raised directly with the Welsh Government

·        members also reiterated previous concerns raised over the loss of income from the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency and impact on the revenue budget

·        it was noted that changes approved in respect of the School Transport Service would not impact immediately but would be largely resolved long term

·        updates on the major capital projects were provided and responses given to questions raised on individual projects.  Councillor Eryl Williams felt there would be merit in providing pictures of the major projects at full Council.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       notes the budgets set for 2014/15 and progress against the agreed budget strategy;

(b)       approves the transfer of £100k funding to a reserve to fund school broadband enhancements in 2015/16, and

(c)        a letter be sent to the Welsh Government regarding the Cabinet’s concerns in respect of the Minister’s proposals in relation to TAITH.