Issue - meetings

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor Jenny Wilkie)

Councillor Jenny Wilkie introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Services, which provided information to enable the Council to set its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and capital investment programme for the next financial year 2022/23

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on 13 January 2022 had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the details set out in the report before it and the reasons contained therein.

RESOLVED:   A.   The financial position and the budget matters set out in the report be noted.

B.     That the use of the Director of Place & Community's delegated authority in relation to rent and service charge changes be noted and endorsed.

C.    That this report be used for consultation purposes prior to the Council considering this matter on 23 February 2022.

D.    That the Housing and Landlord Services Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to submit firm proposals to Council on 23 February 2022 to enable the budget to be set.

To consider the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Services.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Services, which was to enable the Council to set its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and capital investment programme for the next financial year 2022/23.

The Interim Corporate Finance Manager provided an overview of the report referring to details set down within it.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·         Rental income level

·         Void repairs and response Repairs - Wates business cases - significant concerns were expressed about the significant adverse financial variance and the lack of information that could be provided to Councillors.  It was explained that there were sensitive legal matters under dispute and that the Group Leaders would be provided with further information on a confidential basis in the near future

·         Concern of Programmed Work 'rolled-on' due to Covid – uncertainty of expenditure and how it will affect this

RESOLVED: That the budget position be noted and that the report be submitted to Cabinet 25 January 2022 for their consideration.