Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 June 2012 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12^th June 2012 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.  

Verbal report of the head of community engagement and accountancy services manager.

Members were reminded that, at the last meeting of the Panel, it was agreed that a more comprehensive report regarding Salt Ayre would be provided at the September meeting with an update being provided at this meeting. 

The Panel was advised that work on the report was progressing well with officers from Finance and Well Being meeting regularly to produce the report.  It was reported that the main focus was to ensure that overheads were being allocated in the most accurate and appropriate manner, but that this could be a very subjective process. 

Resolved:

That it be noted that a more comprehensive report will be provided at the September meeting of the Panel. 

Report of the accountancy services manager. Members are advised that this report was considered by Cabinet on 3 July 2012.

The Accountancy Services Manager presented a report on the Provisional Revenue and Capital Outturn 2011/12. 

It was reported that the reported included underspends of £502,000 in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and £653,000 in the General Fund Account. The HRA underspend was mainly due to savings on repair and maintenance and reduced levels of arrears resulting in a lower contribution to the bad debt provision. 

With regard to the General Fund underspend, Members were advised that meetings were to be introduced with Service Heads to monitor their budgets on a monthly basis to attempt to reduce the large underspends. 

It was noted that the insurance and bad debt provisions had been topped up, whilst a new reserve was established for the surplus generated on the Highways partnership agreement. 

Members were advised of the carry forward requests that had been agreed by Cabinet within the report. 

The Panel was informed that with regard to Capital Outturn, almost £2M slippage had occurred mostly due to Council building spend and a reduction in the original photo voltaic scheme. 

Members went on to consider the variances and underspends contained within the report and asked a number of questions. 

Concern was raised over the request for carrying forward of £9,900 for Museum consultancy being spent without approval. It was agreed that Councillor Bryning would be asked to clarify the situation. 

A further request for carry over was that of £6,000 for a mobile phone compatible website.  It was agreed that clarification of the need for this would be sought. 

A query was raised over tracking devices being fitted in the Council’s vehicle fleet. It was agreed that a briefing note be requested on this issue relating to the efficiencies this would create. 

Resolved:

(1)        That clarification be requested on the request to carry forward £9,900 for Museum consultancy being spent without approval from Councillor Bryning. 

(2)        That clarification of the need for a mobile phone compatible website at a cost of £6,000 be requested. 

(3)        That a briefing note on the use of tracking devices fitted in the Council’s vehicle fleet to generate efficiencies be requested. 

Report of the head of governance.

The Panel was requested to consider a number of questions submitted by Councillor Mace regarding Storey Creative Industries Centre (SCIC). Copies were provided at the meeting.

It was agreed that a report be requested to be submitted to the Panel in relation to these questions.

Members considered the updated Work Programme. It was noted that Cabinet had considered the second homes funding at its last meeting and this report would be considered by the Panel at its September meeting.

With regard to the briefing note previously requested on damage to Council houses by tenants and the implications for the Council, the Panel considered a set of questions from Councillor Scott and agreed that these should be considered by officers when preparing the briefing note.

It was also agreed that the 2012/13 Quarter 1 Corporate Financial Monitoring, including Treasury Management would be circulated before the September meeting.

Resolved :

(1)        That a report be requested on the questions submitted regarding Storey Creative Industries Centre.

(2)        That the questions regarding damage to Council houses by tenants and the implications for the Council, be considered by the officers when preparing the briefing note.

(3)        That the 2012/13 Quarter 1 Corporate Financial Monitoring, including Treasury Management be circulated before the September meeting.