To provide Cabinet with an updated position on the projected out-turn for 2013/14 and to propose the arrangements for future budget monitoring.

The forecast outturn for the year, based on spend to the end of January, is a break-even position. The overall position in Directorates has remained broadly the same but the forecast position has improved due to two areas:

• The successful bid for a capitalisation direction on one-off expenditure on transformation.  The bid has been referred to in previous monitoring reports and the council learnt of its success in January.  This has meant that £1m of one-off costs, previously included in the forecast have now been capitalised. 

The integration of the Public Health Service within the council has led to successful joint working with resultant efficiencies in Public Health, Adults and Childrens Wellbeing.  A number of these initiatives, planned for 2014/15, have been accelerated by the Director of Public Health into 2013/14, generating efficiencies of an additional £1m not previously forecast for the current year.  

There are no alternative options.