Decision details

The report outlines the portfolio's revenue and capital outturn for the financial year ended 31 March 2014. It also shows, where applicable, major variances together with revenue budgets for which a carry forward request is sought and any proposed capital rephasing into 2014/15.

Matter for Decision

The report presented a summary of the 2013/14 outturn position (actual income and expenditure) for services within the Public Places portfolio, compared to the final budget for the year. The position for revenue and capital is reported and variances from budgets were highlighted, together with explanations. Requests to carry forward funding arising from certain budget underspends into 2014/15, and future years where relevant, were identified.

It was noted that outturn reports being presented in this Committee cycle reflect the reporting structures in place prior to the recent changes in Executive portfolios. In light of those changes (together with the requirement to report outturn on the basis of portfolios in place during 2013/14) members of this committee were asked to consider the proposals to carry forward budgets and make their views known to The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, for consideration at Strategy & Resources Scrutiny Committee prior to his recommendations to Council.

Decision of Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places

The Executive Councillor resolved:

     i.        to agree the carry forward requests, totalling £1,980 as detailed in Appendix C of the Officer’s report are to be recommended to Council for approval; and

    ii.        to carry forward capital resources to fund rephased net capital spending of £820,000 from 2013/14 into 2014/15 as detailed in Addendix D of the Officer’s report.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Principal Accountant regarding the summary of the 2013/14 outturn position (actual income and expenditure) for services within the Public Places portfolio.

The Committee sought clarification regarding overspends and requested more information on this matter in future reports.

In response to Members’ questions the Interim Head of Services, Streets and Open Spaces stated that some costs related to Environmental Improvement Projects were difficult to predict and were unrecoverable on some projects.

The Principal Accountant undertook to provide more information to Councillor Robertson outside the meeting.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.