Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The purpose of the report is to provide a summary of the Quarter 2+ revenue forecast outturn incorporating the business as usual forecast. The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund and updates to the Capital Programme. The report also provides updates on budget virements to be incorporated into the 2023/24 budget setting process.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1)  Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget;

(2)  Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+;

(3)  Note the update on the Council’s positive investments;

(4)  Note the update on Reserves;

(5)  Note the Dedicated Schools Grant, and Housing Revenue Account positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+;

(6)  Note the forecast position for the 2022/23 Capital Programme; and

(7)  Note the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 2+.

Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or by email at jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Quarter 2+ revenue forecast outturn including an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account, Collection Fund, updates to the Capital Programme and budget virements to be incorporated into the 2023/24 budget setting process.

It was noted that the Council continued to suffer from the same pressures as households with regard to the cost of living crisis.  It was highlighted that the cost of street lighting alone had increased by approximately £2.5 million each year as a result of the increase in the cost of energy.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the virements to the Revenue Budget as detailed in the report.

(2) That the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+ be noted.

(3) That the update on the Council’s positive investments be noted.

(4) That the update on Reserves be noted.

(5) That the Dedicated Schools Grant, and Housing Revenue Account positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+ be noted.

(6) That the forecast position for the 2022/23 Capital Programme be noted.

(7) That the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 2+ be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

The report provides an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of November 2022 (Quarter 2+). The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact:  Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or by email at jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided a update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of November 2022 (quarter 2), and on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was noted that the number of Looked After Children in placements had decreased but costs had increased. Members were advised that the increase was due to the complex needs of the cohort, as well as the increase in cost of living generally.

·         Members were advised that the Covid-19 Financial Scarring Impact Contingency fund to alleviate the impact of covid-19 would continue to be used in light of ongoing impact.

·         Information as to whether the council could increase income through taxi services registered in other local authority areas and working in the borough was requested, and a written response would be circulated to members via email in due course.

·         Concerns were raised around targeted monies for youth support coming to an end and the impact this would have on service provision. It was advised that the targeted provision had had good input and would have ongoing benefit.

·         It was suggested that further granularity of detail on the 2022/ 23 Forecast Revenue Outturn would be useful in providing members with a more comprehensive understanding of specific services. It was noted that this information was contained within each of the portfolio dashboards which were available to view on the website.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.