Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director of Finance and Interim Assistant Director  Customer Focus

Purpose of report

This report summarises the Council’s Performance, Risk and Finance monitoring positions as at the end of September 2022.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To note the monthly Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report September 2022.

1.2         To approve the changes to reserves in Appendix 5.

1.3         To approve the release of the remaining funds from capital budget 40238 “IT Shared Services”. The original proposal in 2019 was to complete activities to support the IT Strategy revolving around the joining up with Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). Cherwell District Council (CDC) decoupling from OCC has marked that chapter of the IT Strategy as complete. However, ahead of the creation of CDC’s Digital Strategy, we are exploring areas of improvement to reduce the demand on services and provide proactive services to our citizens. This aligns with the original proposal of exploring revenue savings and adding efficiencies.

Resolved

(1)          That the monthly Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report September 2022 be noted.

(2)          That the following changes to reserves be approved:

·         Directorate: Communities

·         Type: Earmarked

·         Description: Heat Networks

·         Reason: Return of Heat Networks funding no longer required

·         Amount £m: (0.017)

·         Total Earmarked Reservices £m: (0.017)

(3)          That the release of the remaining funds from capital budget 40238 “IT Shared Services” be approved.

The Assistant Director of Finance and Interim Assistant Director  Customer Focus submitted a report which summarised the Council’s Performance, Risk and Finance monitoring positions as at the end of September 2022.

At the discretion of the Chairman, Councillor Woodcock addressed Executive.

In response to Councillor Woodcock’s comments regarding action being taken to address net housing completions, the number of affordable homes being delivered and the number of households in temporary accommodations that were reporting amber or red, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services explained that there were labour issues, supply chain issues with builders were having difficulties getting supplies but, if there were no more supply chain issues, it was hoped targets would be achieved by year end. The Chairman added that the question could be rephrased to ask if there was anything to do to help providers and developers. The Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing undertook to provide a written response to Councillor Woodcock and copy to the Executive.

In response to Councillor Woodcock’s comments regarding car park income, the Portfolio Holder for Finance explained that this area was still recovering from the covid pandemic and in Banbury, the impact of Castle Quay had been difficult to forecast. The Assistant Director Environmental Services highlighted that the council’s Car Parking Strategy expired at the end of March 2023 and was therefore due for review.

Resolved

(1)          That the monthly Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report September 2022 be noted.

(2)          That the following changes to reserves be approved:

·         Directorate: Communities

·         Type: Earmarked

·         Description: Heat Networks

·         Reason: Return of Heat Networks funding no longer required

·         Amount £m: (0.017)

·         Total Earmarked Reservices £m: (0.017)

(3)          That the release of the remaining funds from capital budget 40238 “IT Shared Services” be approved.

Reasons

This report provides an update on progress made during September 2022, to deliver the Council’s priorities through reporting on Performance, Leadership Risk Register and providing an update on the Financial Position. The Council is committed to performance, risk and budget management and reviews progress against its corporate priorities on a monthly basis.

With regards the release of the remaining funds from capital budget 40238 “IT Shared Services”, the original proposal in 2019 was to complete activities to support the IT Strategy revolving around the joining up with Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). Cherwell District Council (CDC) decoupling from OCC has marked that chapter of the IT Strategy as complete. However, ahead of the creation of CDC’s Digital Strategy, we are exploring areas of improvement to reduce the demand on services and provide proactive services to our citizens. This aligns with the original proposal of exploring revenue savings and adding efficiencies.

Alternative options

Option 1: This report illustrates the Council’s performance against the 2022-23 Business Plan. Regarding the monitoring aspects of the report, no further options have been considered. However, members may wish to request that officers provide additional information. Regarding the recommendation to approve changes in use of reserves, members could choose to reject the change of use, however, the request  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54