Minutes:
The Director of Finance and the Head of Financial Planning
and Support provided an update to the Board; the following points were
highlighted:
Following the update, Members were afforded the
opportunity to ask questions.
A Member queried as to what issues the Board should be most
concerned about at present in respect of risk and unforeseen eventualities. It
was advised that one of the emerging risks was in relation to energy inflation
and whether that would filter through and become a longer term pressure, the
legacy of COVID-19 on income was another key potential risk factor. The MTFP
for next year was currently being prepared and those issues were being
considered. The financial implications for the Council resulting from the new
Health and Social Care Bill was another unknown at this stage, although it was
anticipated that more detailed information would be available following the
forthcoming Government Spending Review and Local Government settlement.
Reference was made the Environment and Community Services overspend
and whether there was potential for that money to pulled back over the course
of this financial year. It was explained that the overspend was a result of the
kerbside recycling company entering administration, which had generated a financial
pressure of £500,000. The contact for kerbside recycling was currently out to
tender and it was hoped that savings would be achieved following that process.
Another risk in this area was the Integrated Transport Unit, as to a lack in
the availability of taxi drivers increased costs were being incurred. Efforts
were being made to pull back on costs but there were real challenges.
In response to a query regarding the problem recruiting HGV drivers
it was advised that at present it was not impacting on the Council’s provision
of waste services. However, the query would be referred to the Director of
Environment and Community Services for further information.
The amount of expenditure on Council purchase cards was
queried and it was advised that some up to date information on this type of expenditure
would be provided to the Board.
The Chair thanked the Director of Finance and the Head of
Financial Planning and Support for their attendance and contributions to the
meeting.
AGREED that the information provided be noted, and
the agreed actions be undertaken.
Supporting documents: