Decision details

·         To inform Cabinet of the position against Improvement Actions and Performance Indicators in the 2013/2014 Council Plan.

·         To seek Cabinet approval for changes to targets as set out in Section 2.1.

·         To update Cabinet on the likely outturn of the Revenue and Capital Budgets for the 2013/2014 financial year. The budgets include all carried forward amounts from the 2012/2013 financial year.

·         To seek Cabinet approval for budget changes outlined in this report.

a)        To approve the changes to Performance Indicator targets and Actions  as detailed in paragraphs 2.1.7 and 2.1.8 of the report;

b)        To approve the General Fund Revenue Budget virements included within Appendix 1 of the report;

c)         To approve the changes to the Capital Programme included in paragraph 2.2.3 of the report;

d)        To include details of budget and performance monitoring in a quarterly performance digest, to be published on the Council’s website and Intranet in line with the recommendations of Performance Review Scrutiny Committee.

To align the budgets to the current pressures and priorities and ensure the delivery of Council objectives is supported.

Option – Not to amend the original Council approved budgets during the year to reflect the latest projected outturn position.

            Advantages:

-       The final outturn position of the Council can be easily compared to its original intentions when the budget was set and areas of budget risk identified.

Disadvantages:

-       Budgets not aligned to current budget pressures resulting in increased likelihood of budget overspend and emerging Council priorities not being addressed.

-       Restrict the effectiveness of medium term planning process and preparation of the forward budget if pressures and areas of efficiency are not readily identifiable during budget preparation.

-       Budget not reflective of latest performance information.

Reason for rejection – Not likely to result in the best outcomes in financial management or support delivery of priorities.

None.