Decision details

The Service Director, Performance and Improvement Services provided Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, based on the first six months of the financial year (to the 30th September 2020).

The Service Director discussed in detail the Executive Summary of the report, which included financial data and progress against the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities.

Members were informed of the second quarter revenue budget position, which was projecting a £1.853M overspend. Members acknowledged that the budget position was set in the unprecedented context of Covid-19 and takes into account additional Welsh Government funding received for the first six months of the year, and that forecasted to be received for the remainder of the year, in respect of additional expenditure incurred and income loss as a result of the pandemic.

The Cabinet Member, Corporate Services spoke positive of the report and in particular, the £32.5M Capital investment. The Member was also pleased to note that the decrease in sickness absence rate and the increase in staff numbers, which was partly due to the Council’s appointment of a number of apprentices and graduates.

The Leader took the opportunity to commend officers for their financial management and commented that the position was fairly positive given the current circumstances.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the continued unprecedented circumstances Council Services are operating within as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Revenue

2.    To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2020 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary) including the on-going Welsh Government Covid-19 funding to support service delivery.

Capital

3.    To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30^th September 2020 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary).

4.    To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th September 2020 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary).

Corporate Plan Priorities

5.    To note the Quarter 2 progress updates for the Council’s agreed Corporate Plan priorities (Sections 5 a – c of the Executive Summary).