Agenda item

(a)  That the following aspects of the report be noted:

  i.  Performance management

  ii.  Performance reward grant

  iii.  Debt recovery

  iv.  Treasury management

  v.  Financial performance - capital

  vi.  Financial performance – revenue

(b)  That the banking contract with the Co-operative Bank plc is extended for a further period of two years with the option to terminate after the first year (Section 5.23).

(c)  That the capital allowance amounts as laid out in section 5.41 (of the report) be approved.

(d)  That the borrowing limits as laid out in section 5.45 (of the report) be approved.

The Cabinet considered a report highlighting the Council’s overall performance from delivery of service to financial management.  The report focused on performance management, debt recovery, treasury management, capital and the revenue monitoring position to July 2009. 

The Director of Improvement and Development highlighted areas of significant improvement where performance had exceeded targets.  These included a decrease in the serious acquisitive crime rate, an increase in the level of participation and the volume of waste collected for recycling which in turn had had a positive impact on landfill.

A number of areas had red RAG status and these were highlighted in the report.  In answer to questions the Director advised that the data with regard to participation in sport was particularly difficult and was collected as part of a High Street survey.  The free swimming that was being provided was having an impact although the take up was mainly youngsters and these did not count towards the performance indicator.  It was hoped that initiatives targeting older people could be developed.

The Interim Director of Resources outlined the key areas of the budget monitor.  Members were advised that the Council was in a challenging budget situation.  Council tax collection levels were slightly reduced for the time of year and that, if this trend, continued, it would be difficult to achieve the same collection levels as in previous years.  Work was ongoing to attempt to minimise the risk of this happening.  With regard to treasury management and the council’s deposit with Heritable bank, it was hoped that the forecast recovery of between 70 and 80p in the pound would be improved on.  With regard to the projected outturn position at 31^st July, 2009 the Director advised that, if action plans were effective, the 2009/10 budget should balance however with the onset of winter and potential effects of swine flu the Council may be under some pressure to bring in a balanced budget.

Resolved -

(a)    That the following aspects of the report be noted:

  i.  Performance management

  ii.  Performance reward grant

  iii.  Debt recovery

  iv.  Treasury management

  v.  Financial performance - capital

  vi.  Financial performance – revenue.

(b)    That the banking contract with the Co-operative Bank plc is extended for a further period of two years with the option to terminate after the first year (Section 5.23).

(c)    That the capital allowance amounts as laid out in section 5.41 (of the report) be approved.

(d)    That the borrowing limits as laid out in section 5.45 (of the report) be approved.