Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors O’Shea, Taylor and Wallace.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Finance Audit & Performance Committee held on 13 April 2015.

It was moved by Councillor Camamile, seconded by Councillor Williams and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 13 April 2015 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

Members were informed of the revenue and capital outturn at the end of the first quarter 2015/16. It was reported that an underspend on the general fund was forecast due to additional income from planning fees and that overspends on the capital programme were due to routine carry-forwards of budgets from the previous year not having been approved by Council until 21 July.

In response to a member’s question, it was noted that the deficit on the Housing Revenue Account had been budgeted for to allow the transfer of surpluses to reserves and wasn’t a negative occurrence.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Committee was informed of the position on sundry debts at 30 June 2015. The reasons for the ‘homelessness’ debt being consistently high was explained in that bonds were provided to secure accommodation but due to the nature of the arrangement, whilst every attempt is made, it is often not possible to recoup that money.

A report on the high levels of debt over 120 days in relation to Estates was requested to a future meeting.

RESOLVED – the report be noted and a report on the Estates debt be brought to the next meeting.

Verbal update.

Members were updated on the pooling arrangements in Leicestershire in relation to business rates.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Committee was informed of the Council’s Treasury Management activity during 2014/15. It was reported that the Tin Hat Partnership had repaid their loan of £7million on time, which meant that the Council had also been able to do the same.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Internal Auditor presented the Internal Audit Plan for 2015/16, highlighting the key components. It was moved by Councillor Camamile, seconded by Councillor Lynch and

RESOLVED – the Internal Audit Plan 2015/16 be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Committee received the draft Annual Governance Statement 2014/15 in advance of consideration by Council. It was reported that no matters for concern had been raised in the statement. Ilyas Bham and his team were congratulated on their hard work in preparing both the Annual Governance Statement and Statement of Accounts ahead of the statutory deadline. It was moved by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Cope and

RESOLVED – the draft document be endorsed and a final Annual Governance Statement 2014/15 be RECOMMENDED to Council.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

The financial, performance and risk position of the Planning Service was presented as part of the programme of service reviews. Discussion ensued on the five year land supply and the risk of the number of houses required continuing to increase each year to the point that no land was available. In response it was explained that the requirement was based on housing need for the term of the Local Plan (to 2026) so once the required number was achieved, no further housing would technically be required, subject to the Council delivering sufficient housing to meet its need. It was also pointed out, however, that should there be an increase in population, the level of need would be reviewed and there may be a required increase in housing need.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Committee was provided with the year end position for 2014/15 with regard to performance indicators, service improvement plans, corporate risks and service area risks.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Annual report 2014/15 and work programme 2015/16 attached.

Members gave consideration to the Annual Report for 2014/15 and the proposed work programme for 2015/16. Members were reminded that there would be training in relation to the Statement of Accounts immediately prior to the next meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED – the Annual Report and work programme be endorsed.