Agenda item

Report of the Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer attached.

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Finance which provided an update on the Council’s overall financial position as at 31 July 2021/22.

It was explained that the format of the report had been revised, following feedback from members previously, and the panel welcomed the new user-friendly layout.

Members were interested to note the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Council and were advised that this had resulted in a slight decline in council tax collections and had impacted sales fees and charges.

However, it was assured that the Council remained in a strong financial position and that an extra £200,000 income from government offsets had been beneficial.

Some concern was expressed over an understatement on payments to the Lancashire Pension Fund, which would be managed by additional contributions amounting to £386,000.

In response to a query as to how this understatement had not been noticed sooner, the panel was advised that the Pension Fund had only just completed reconciliation works. However, the Director of Finance remained confident in the Council’s ability to breakeven in the current financial year.

It was also noted that a review into the Council’s earmarked reserves being undertaken by the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets was making steady progress.

Discussion also focused on vacancies in the Neighbourhoods team and how this impacted service delivery.

It was stated that performance within this directorate remained relatively good and that interim arrangements were in place for those vacancies.

The panel questioned the consultation methods used during the refurbishment of playgrounds and were informed that members and residents were fully engaged and that a new consultation process had been recently adopted.

Further information was requested on the refurbishment of the Birch Avenue playground in Penwortham and a commitment to providing this after the meeting was given.

The deliverability of the capital programme by the end of the financial year was also questioned and confidence was expressed in this. Some challenges were acknowledged but members were assured that a number of schemes had made great progress so far.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

The Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel:

1.     thanks the Leader and Director of Finance for attending and presenting the detailed report;

2.     welcomes the new user-friendly layout and format of the report;

3.     is grateful for the commitment to engagement and consultation with regards the playground refurbishment programme; and

4.     asks for an update on the timescales involved in completing Birch Avenue Playground.