To review performance for Quarter 4 2020/21 and the final budget outturn for the year and to provide assurance that progress has being made towards achievement of the agreed revenue budget and service delivery targets, and that the reasons for major variances or potential under-performance are understood and are being addressed to the cabinet’s satisfaction.

The cabinet member finance, corporate services and planning introduced the item and highlighted a number of key points in the papers. The final outturn for 2020/21 was reported as a £38k overspend, which represented only 0.02% of the net budget in a year which had seen £16m of unbudgeted cost pressures due to the pandemic. Cabinet members heard that:

·        Progress on the capital programme had been hampered by covid but a new programme manager was being recruited to drive forward the programme to deliver benefits across the county;

·        Borrowing had reduced by £3m, with reduced debt and increased council investments;

·        Significant financial support had been passed to local business and the work of the finance team to swiftly process grants was recognised;

·        Over 80% of planned savings had been delivered despite the pandemic, however it would be a huge challenge to deliver savings in 2021/22;

·        A lot of work had gone into developing performance measures for 21/22 but there were significant risks from covid even after mitigation measures.

Cabinet members commented on the key achievements in their portfolio areas and focus for the future. The many varied challenges of the covid pandemic were noted and thanks expressed to council staff, partners and communities across the county for the exceptional efforts made.

The cabinet member health and adult wellbeing particularly commended the outgoing director of adults and communities and noted that the support of communities had been essential.

Group leaders and representatives also commended council staff for their hard work during the pandemic and noted the achievement of a very small overspend for the year. It was also noted that:

·        Efforts to bring high paid jobs to the county were supported and it was suggested that larger villages could look at council owned land for use by small businesses, the council was undertaking a survey of its assets with a view to forming a plan for retention, transfer or disposal for each;

·        There was no evidence yet of significant problems with non-payment of council tax and business rates although it was expected to be a difficult year ahead, anyone struggling to pay was encouraged to make contact with the council or with organisations that could provide help and support;

·        It was encouraging to see projects such as the shell store and cyber centre coming to fruition;

·        Concerns were expressed regarding the booking system in use at recycling centres but the portfolio holder felt that the benefits outweighed any downsides including reduced queuing and financial savings;

·        The waste journey needed consideration as councillors had been made aware that recycling did not always end up in the right place, it was suggested that this could be a topic for scrutiny;

·        The performance against the environment priority looked weak and needed focus including looking at partnership working and bringing forward training on the climate and ecological emergency;

·        There was concern that the council would have to find even more savings in the next year;

·        The impact of covid on learners was a concern for the future of the county.

The leader of the council concluded the debate by noting the challenges of the year ahead.

It was unanimously agreed that:

a)           Cabinet having reviewed performance and financial outturn for year end 2020/21, as set out in appendices A – H, had not identified any additional actions to be considered to achieve future improvements; and

b)           Cabinet agree the set of measures in appendix G, for use for reporting on delivery plan progress in 2021/22.