Issue - meetings

To receive Quarterly Monitoring Reports (Revenue, Capital and Performance reports attached).

RECEIVED for information the quarterly monitoring reports (revenue and capital Q3 reports and performance Q2 report).

NOTED

1.    James Newman (Director of Finance) responded to Members’ queries in respect of gross variances and financial pressures by department, and confirmed that ongoing additional cost pressures, such as in digital services, would be built into the Medium Term Financial Plan going forward.

2.    Cllr Georgiou considered the reporting to be overly optimistic, and that a worst case scenario should be strengthened in reports. Officers advised that budget reports were transparent, with appropriate economic forecasts. External experts were used. The Treasury Strategy captured risks. The cost pressures were set out in reports.

3.    In response to Members’ queries regarding frequency of review of reserves, it was confirmed that the S151 officer had to give a statement of adequacy of reserves every year as a statutory requirement, but reserves were looked at throughout the year during the quarterly monitoring.

4.    Members asked about progress on specific management actions set out in para 34 of the revenue report. It was confirmed that accountability fell within the relevant services. There were also EMT budget meetings on a weekly basis in respect of development of the Medium Term Financial Plan. Savings trackers were used for each directorate for in-year savings plans. The monitoring reports included transparent accounts on how departments budgeted income and expenditure.

5.    In respect of the Dedicated Schools Grant, it was clarified that pressure had been reduced as there had been an increase in funding and proactive management of SEN placements which led to reduced expenditure.

6.    Members noted that Place Directorate had the highest risk scores. It was advised that this reflected demands.

7.    Noting that James Newman was leaving LB Enfield and this would be the last panel meeting he attended, Members thanked him for his contributions and helpfulness and expressed their best wishes for his future career.

A report from the Chief Executive is attached.  (Non key)

Cllr Nesil Caliskan (Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Chief Executive providing the quarterly overview of performance in delivering on the Council priorities. Attention was drawn to performance on the number of households living in temporary accommodation which had decreased since quarter 1 despite ongoing pressures. For Adult Social Care, all KPIs were at or above target, and Enfield’s performance in respect of delayed hospital discharge was the best in North Central London. The number of business start-ups was highlighted, and that the decrease reflected the economic instability across the country.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to note the progress being made towards delivering the key priority indicators for Enfield.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendation and the decision.

(Non Key)