Agenda item

The Committee received the Revenue and Capital Budgets 2013/14 report, which had been received by Cabinet on 16 January 2013. This was similar to the reports previously received by the Committee. Thanks were extended to the Executive Director, Resources and Support Services and to the finance team for the easy read of the report.

There was to be a minor amendment to point 6.4 for the final report. Point 6.4 currently stated that it was proposed to make no changes to the amounts held as a minimum balance. The reserves and balances had been reviewed and to reduce risk it was to be recommended to hold £1.3 million in the minimum balance. There was also one change to the savings and funding strategies being considered, which was reference S23 where a minor restructure in the Housing Team would create a £35,000 saving.

Members questioned if the £50,000 figure for the provision of waste bins to residents was standard. The figure was accurate as some bins break or split, were stolen, were over twenty years old and required replacement or there was natural wastage. There were 100,000 wheelie bins in the Borough with a cost of £20 to replace each one; £50,000 was a year on year figure for the provision of bins. It was further questioned whether residents were charged for replacement bins. If the replacement was needed through no fault of the resident (e.g. theft, natural wastage) they would not be charged. In the case of theft, they would need to inform the Police. If a sufficient explanation could not be provided for the need for a new bin, then a charge could be levied.

The achievements for 2012/13 contained within the report were questioned by Members, who considered the achievements were from 2011/2012 and nearing completion by the beginning of the current year. Elements of the achievements took place in the current year, with a number of areas commencing in 2011/12 and being completed in 2012/13. It had been noted previously that budget reports considered savings and figures, but did not specify the actions the Council were taking in relation to the budget. By providing a summary it gave context to the figures.

Members commended the drop in software pricing and noted the savings derived from franking machine maintenance no longer being required. A report would be received by Cabinet in February regarding the reorganisation of the corporate mail system which would create savings of £40,000 for the Borough Council, with approximately £6,000 of these coming from the removal of the requirement for a franking machine at the Civic Offices, as contained in the proposed contract.

Members asked whether there was confidence that the Council was not pricing itself out of the market with regard to room hire fees. The Leader considered that the figures were prudent and was comfortable that they were realistic to achieve or even exceed. Partners co-located within the Civic Offices were using the reception rooms which also attracted a fee.

RESOLVED:              That the information be received.