Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The Officer’s report covered the draft Finance and Resources Portfolio Plan 2015-16, which set out the strategic objectives for the portfolio for the year ahead, described the context in which the portfolio was being delivered and detailed the activities required to deliver the outcomes and the vision. Performance measures and risks were also shown for each strategic objective.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources

Approved the draft Finance and Resources Portfolio Plan 2015-16.

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 Head of Finance; introduced by the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources.

In response to Members’ questions the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources said the following:

       i.          Some objectives had performance targets (eg the living wage), others did not.

     ii.          Anti-Poverty Strategy targets could be reflected in the Portfolio Plan.

   iii.          The Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme (CLAS) was in the hands of the County Council; City Council Officers and the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources were liaising with them. The County Council appeared to have directed funding to the general fund, rather than poverty specifically. The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources expected to receive only half of the anticipated funding for 2015. It was hoped the scheme would continue. More funding was being sought; the Council and others might contribute more in future if other parties did too.

   iv.          A countywide partnership assistance scheme was preferred for the CLAS instead of a citywide scheme for economies of scale and to avoid the Council bearing all the costs.

    v.          The City Council had discussed with Cambridge Central Aid the delivery of CLAS.

The Committee resolved by 5 votes to 0 with 3 abstentions to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.