Issue - meetings

To provide information on the Quarter 2 (to 30 September 2021) financial position of the Council (report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercialisation and Partnerships and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) and S151 Officer enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercialisation and Partnerships and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) and S151 Officer, which provided information on the Quarter 2 (to 30 September 2021) financial position of the Council.

The following issues were raised:

·         In relation to savings targets, members questioned whether there were any other savings that could be made.  Officers responded that this information was currently being drawn together for the Q3 Financial Report, and that there would be one very large saving that would contribute to anticipated savings.

·         The pandemic had affected the Authority quite substantially and assumptions were therefore being made very carefully.

·         Members questioned whether VAT had to be paid on Public Conveniences – this issue had been raised some time ago but there had not been clarity at the time.  Officer responded that legislation had been passed earlier in the year with regard to business rates being paid on Public Conveniences – VAT was no longer payable on them however, it was from a specific date and there was therefore no rebate.

DECISION:

1)    That the report and Appendix A be noted;

2)    That the estimated position with regard to the approved contributions to and use of reserves be noted; and

3)    That the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital programme be noted as set out in table 5 and 7 of Appendix A;

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

4)    To approve adjustments to the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital programme as set out in table 5 and 7 of Appendix A.

(Other options considered:

·         Do nothing.

Reasons for decision:

·         To provide timely information to members on the overall financial position of the Council).