Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Chadderton.

There were no public questions received.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 20^th August 2018 be approved as a correct record.

The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Director of Finance, which sought to provide the Cabinet with an update on the Council’s 2018/19 forecast revenue budget position at Annex 1 and the financial position of the Capital Programme as at 30^th June 2018 (Quarter 1) together with the revised capital programme 2018/22 as outlined in section 2 of the report at Annex 2.

Revenue Position

The current forecast outturn position for 2018/19 was a projected favourable variance of £0.100m after allowing for approved and pending transfers to and from reserves.

The most significant area of concern was the People and Place Portfolio, due to the transfer of Children’s Social Care into this area. The major issues driving the projections within the portfolio area were detailed within Annex 1 paragraphs 2.10.11 to 2.10.17.

Action was being taken and would continue for the remainder of the financial year to address variances and mitigation as detailed within the report.

The overall corporate position was being managed by offsettingfavourable variances, notably from capital, treasury and corporate account budgets and the availability of additional treasury management income and unringfenced grants not allocated to service budgets.

The Quarter 1 position of the Dedicated School Grant and Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund were also outlined in the report, with no significant issues of concern, however the DSG continued to be an area facing significant financial challenge. 

Capital Position

The most up to date capital spending proposals for 2018/22 were provided to Members. The Capital programme budget was £60.022m at the close of quarter 1, a net decrease of £29.636m from the original budget of £89.658m. Actual expenditure to 30 June 2018 was £4.200m (7.00% of forecast outturn).

It was reported that at this stage in the financial year, the forecast position would continue to change with additional re-profiling into future years.

Options/Alternatives considered

Option 1 – To approve the forecast revenue and capital positions presented in the report including proposed changes.

Option 2 – To approve some of the forecasts and changes detailed within the report.

Option 3 – Not to approve any of the forecasts and changes detailed within the report.

RESOLVED – That:

1. The forecast revenue outturn for 2018/22 at Quarter 1 being a £0.100m under spend be approved.
2. The forecast positions for both the Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund as detailed within the report be approved.
3. The use of reserves as detailed in Appendix 1 to Annexe 1 of the report be approved.
4. The revised capital programme for 2018/22 as at Quarter 1 be approved.

The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Interim Director of Economy and Skills, which provided the Cabinet with details of the progress of the refurbishment of Royton Town Hall and Library buildings.

The report presented a summary of the detailed wok carried out to date in bringing forward the project including:

·       Assumed costs

·       Additional surveys

·       Desktop work to confirm the foundation of the design

An exhaustive value engineering exercise had been undertaken to drive down costs as much as possible without compromising the integrity of the project.

Options/Alternatives considered

Option 1 – Do nothing.

Option 2 – Joint Venture/Private Partner

Option 3 – Increase prudential borrowing

Option 4 – De-prioritise other capital projects or allocate currently uncommitted resources.

Members welcomed the proposals stating that the refurbishment would preserve the historical Town Hall building allowing relocation of the library to the main building and create greater accessibility for members of the public.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information contained at Item 10 of the agenda.

The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Head of Business Intelligence which provided a review of Council performance for June 2018.

The report provided the Cabinet with an overview of the Council’s performance against priorities outlined within the Corporate Plan, which had been monitored in the period April to June 2018.

This was the first report presented in a new format in line with the administration priorities.

The rated measures detailed within the report 56% had met the target and 81% of the Corporate Plan Actions for this month were on track or had been met.

Options/Alternatives considered

To note the Council performance April to June 2018.

RESOLVED – That the Council Performance Report March 2018 be noted.

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they contain exempt information under paragraph(s) 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, and it would not, on balance, be in the public interest to disclose the reports.

RESOLVED that, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they contain exempt information under paragraphs 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, and it would not, on balance, be in the public interest to disclose the reports.

The Cabinet gave consideration to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 7 – Royton Town Hall and Library.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations as detailed within the report be approved.