Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s).

Resolved:                 That the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd April 2024 be agreed as a true and accurate record.

The Chair introduced the Auditor’s Report and Closure of the Audit for the 2022-23 financial year. Cllr Stubbs, seconded by the Chair, congratulated the team on the good management of the Council’s finances.

Resolved:    That the Auditor’s Report and Closure of the Audit be noted.

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The Deputy Leader introduced the report on the Proposed Accounting Policies, Critical Accounting Judgements and Sources of Estimation Uncertainty for the 2023/24 Statement of Account.

Resolved:     1. That the proposed Accounting Policies that would form part of the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts be approved.

2. That the Council’s assumptions made about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty that would form part of the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts be approved.

3. That the ability to make further changes to the proposed Accounting Policies to reflect the release of new or updated guidance if applicable be delegated to the Service Director for Finance (Section 151 Officer).

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The Deputy Leader introduced the report on the Annual Governance Statement for the year 2023/24.

Resolved:     That the Annual Governance Statement for 2023/24 be approved.

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The Deputy Leader introduced the report on the Draft Statement of Accounts for 2023/24. Members asked questions and responses were provided by the Finance Business Manager (Deputy S 151 Officer) as follows.

Cllr Reece asked if there were any projections regarding temporary accommodations. – A Supported and Temporary Accommodation Working Group had been established including members of staff from the Benefits, Housing and Finance teams to review the provision and associated finances. A pressure of £450,000 had been allocated for 2024/25. The working group was looking into maximising resources and subsidy and getting accommodations providers registered and vetted further.

Cllr Stubbs asked about temporary staffing in the waste service. – This was to cover vacancies within the service and sickness absences which needed to be covered by agencies to ensure residents waste and recycling was collected.

Cllr Whieldon commented that when it came to forecasting the best estimates were given and anything that was external to the borough and its financial reporting remained partly unpredictable.

Cllr Stubbs asked about interest payments. – These had not been budgeted for in the current financial year and would be used in the first instance to offset any adverse variances.

Resolved:     1. That the General Fund outturn and key issues in respect of the Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2024 be noted.

2. That the draft Statement of Accounts for 2023/24 be approved for publication and audit.

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Resolved:    That the work programme be received.

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There was no urgent business.