Issue - meetings

To consider the Council’s performance and achievements over the last 12 months and to be advised of the projected outturn positions for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and Capital Programme.

RESOLVED:

(a)             That the performance and achievements set out in the Annual Report be noted;

(b)             That the provisional  outturn position of the General Fund be noted:

(c)             That the provisional outturn position of the Capital Programme be noted; and

(d)             That the provisional outturn position of the Housing Revenue Account be noted.

The Cabinet considered an overview of the Council’s performance and achievements, together with provisional financial outturn positions for the General Fund, Capital Programme and Housing Revenue Account over the last 12 months.  Final figures would be presented to the Audit Committee later in the month.

The Council’s direction and priorities had been determined by the Corporate Plan, adopted in June 2012, and performance had been evaluated against the key performance indicators that had been established.  The simplified report format, adopted in 2014, included illustrative summaries of performance, together with summaries of significant innovations in key activity areas.  Members welcomed the use of this illustrative format, which added interest to the presentation of this material, and had allowed clearer communication with customers and the Council’s staff, who had contributed to the success.

The provisional outturn figures for the General Fund showed a saving of £662,000 against the original budget, with a significant proportion of that sum coming from increased income.  Similarly, the Housing Revenue Account was showing a provisional improvement of £612,000 against the budget. 

The Capital Programme had seen significant changes, with £1million additional funding being allocated for housing acquisitions, while the rephasing of non-housing items had led to a saving for this year of £2.121 million.

Overall, the Council’s performance and services to its customers had been maintained, despite continuing reductions in central government funding, while maintaining the same level of Council tax for the 6^th year in succession.  Nonetheless, the key indicators did demonstrate some of the pressures facing the Council, in particular with respect to homelessness and the provision of affordable homes for local people, which would be a priority under the Corporate Plan that would be developed to direct the Council’s activities and priorities over the current 4 year term of office.  This Annual Performance report was a useful tool in establishing the current position, from which to develop priorities for the future.

RESOLVED:

(a)             That the performance and achievements set out in the Annual Report be noted;

(b)             That the provisional  outturn position of the General Fund be noted:

(c)             That the provisional outturn position of the Capital Programme be noted; and

(d)             That the provisional outturn position of the Housing Revenue Account be noted.