Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services will be circulated as soon as possible. (Key decision – reference number 4393)

(Report No.130)

(8.20 – 8.25 pm)

TO FOLLOW

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.130) setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position based on information to the end of September 2016.

NOTED

1.               That the wording of recommendations 2.2 and 2.3 had been amended, as reflected in noted 3 and 4 below.

2.               The £7.2m overspend revenue outturn projection. This position was consistent with that which had been reported in August 2016.

3.               For information, that Cabinet Members would continue to work with Directors to implement action plans to reduce the forecast overspend in 2016/17.

4.               For information, that Cabinet Members would continue to work with Directors to agree and implement plans to mitigate pressures being forecast in the Medium Term Financial Plan.

5.               The progress made to date in the preparation of the 2017/18 budget and requested a further report in January 2017.

6.               That Cabinet would work with the Corporate Management Board (CMB) to identify further savings to bridge the budget gap and set a balanced budget.

7.               That the projected revenue outturn overspend had reduced from £7.9m to £7.2m, as detailed in the report. Members noted the high level of demand for services within Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Children’s Services, as identified in the report. This was an issue that was being experienced across London and nationally.

8.               In response to a question raised, clarification was provided on the projected Housing Revenue Account (HRA) underspend which was a reflection on the level of work that had been requested.

9.               Councillor Cazimoglu reiterated the financial pressures being faced by Adult Social Care and highlighted the Learning Disabilities Service, as detailed in the report. Concerns were growing nationally regarding an underfunding of Adult Social Care services. The majority of Local Authority Adult Social Care departments were predicting a budget deficit. Councillor Cazimoglu stressed the seriousness of the funding situation and the difficulties that would be faced in sustaining future levels of service delivery.

10.           James Rolfe (Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services) reported that in response to the Government’s multi-year settlement offer as set out in section 9.2 of the report, Enfield’s application for a four year settlement over the period 2016/17 to 2019/20, had been accepted. Councils were now awaiting the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and draft Local Government Finance Settlement details, as outlined in the report.

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the projected budgetary position, including all major budget pressures and underspends which had contributed to the present monthly position and that were likely to affect the final outturn.

(Key decision – reference number 4393)