Issue - items at meetings - TBM Quarter Three 2010-2011

Report of the Director of Finance

73.1 The Head of Finance Integrated Financial Management and Planning  noted that the TBM Month 9 report had been presented to 17 February Cabinet alongside the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Capital programme reports.

73.2 He pointed out a significant improvement compared with the forecast outturn at Month 6 in the position for the council-controlled budgets, from £300,000 overspend to a £1.7 million underspend, mostly in the Adult Social Care and CYPT former areas and also as part of the Value for Money programme, performance recovery plans and spending constraints. An underspend of £1.465 million on Council Controlled Budgets, as shown at report paragraph 3.2, had been taken into account in setting the budget for 2011-2012.

73.4 The report showed a continuing underspend in the HRA. The main changes to the capital investment programme were within schools and HRA, both by far the largest elements of the capital programme.

73.5 Asked about the 16.4% change in the communications budget; the Head of Finance said the communications team had overspent, in support of other services.  Savings in communications including printing had been reflected in TBM estimates across the Council however the cost of helping deliver the savings had been left with the Communications team. Amendments have been made in setting the 2011-2012 budget.

73.6 Asked about any grant funding that had not been spent the Head of Finance said the best use of all grant funding was made and he was not aware of any grants where funding will need to be paid back. He noted that rules had recently been relaxed for some grants such that paying back of unused funds is not required.

73.7 RESOLVED that the report and further information be noted.