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 Chief Financial Officer informed Cabinet that Council was now forecast to spend within its budget, an improvement of £2.4m compared to the October forecast reported to December Cabinet.  The overall position in directorates remained broadly the same but the forecast position had improved due to the successful bid for a capitalisation directive for use on one-off transformation expenditure.  .  In addition the integration of Public Health Services within the Council had led to joint working creating efficiencies in Public Health, Adults Wellbeing and Children’s Wellbeing.

The Leader thanked Members for their support in setting the budget and the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer, Directors, Cabinet Members and the wider team for their work.  In response to a question asking for assurance on capacity within the Adult Wellbeing budget, the Cabinet Member, Health and Wellbeing advised that Members were aware of the decisions made to provide capacity and did not feel that any further assurance could be provided than had already been given.  He added it should not be forgotten the significant contribution that other directorates had made in reducing the overspend which had helped change the budget situation.  In response to a question on revenue improvements the Director, Economy, Communities and Corporate advised that planning applications had increased and usage of car parks was ahead of what had been anticipated.

RESOLVED

THAT:

a)    Cabinet noted the Council is projected to spend on budget, an improvement of £2.4m on the October position; and

b)    Cabinet agreed the arrangements for future budget monitoring.