Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

The Leader advised that the proceedings were being audio recorded and live streamed by the Council.

Subject to an amendment to Minute No. 55 to read ‘there was a potential for temporary closure’ in the third paragraph, the minutes from the meeting held on 31 October 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Leader and Chair referred to the successful Levelling Up fund bid, after the announcement that Sherwood would benefit from a £20million investment as part of round three of the Levelling Up fund.

AGREED that Cabinet:

a)      note the General Fund projected favourable outturn variance of £0.422m;

b)      note the Housing Revenue Account projected favourable outturn variance of £0.113m to the Major Repairs Reserve;

c)      approve the variations to the Capital Programme at Appendix E;

d)      approve the Capital Programme revised budget and financing of £81.237m; and

e)      note the Prudential indicators at Appendix H.

The Business Manager - Financial Services presented a report which detailed performance against the approved estimates of revenue expenditure and income; reported on major variances from planned budget performance; and reported on variations to the Capital Programme for approval; in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Members heard that despite an unfavourable variance of £418,000 for the net cost of services, it was forecast that the Council would be able to transfer £422,000 into reserves at the end of the year. The HRA also showed a favourable variance of £113,000 likely to be able to transferred to the major repairs reserve at the end of the year. The report included details of the summary position for the Capital Programme split between the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account, with a forecast outturn of £81.237m. 

AGREED      (unanimously) that Cabinet:

(a)      note the General Fund projected favourable outturn variance of £0.422m;

(b)     note the Housing Revenue Account projected favourable outturn variance of £0.113m to the Major Repairs Reserve;

(c)      approve the variations to the Capital Programme at Appendix E;

(d)     approve the Capital Programme revised budget and financing of £81.237m; and

(e)   note the Prudential indicators at Appendix H.

Reasons for Decision:

To consider the forecast outturn position for the 2023/24 financial year for the Council’s General Fund and Housing Revenue Account revenue and capital budgets.

Options Considered:

Not applicable.

AGREED That Cabinet:

a)        review the Community Plan Performance Report attached as Appendix 1;

b)       review the compliance report attached as Appendix 2;and

c)        consider the Council’s performance against its objectives highlighting any areas of high performance and identifying areas for improvement.

The Director – Customer Services & Organisational Development presented the Community Plan Performance report for Q2 highlighting various projects and services including a new community hub in Ollerton, an improved facility for tenants to report repairs and investment in playparks. The report also detailed the fixed penalty notices issued by the Council for fly-tipping, littering and failure to have correct waste carrier and transfer documents.

The Committee welcomed the report, particularly the reduction in fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour and the very well received investment in playparks.

AGREED      (unanimously) that Cabinet:

(a)      review the Community Plan Performance Report attached as Appendix 1;

(b)     review the compliance report attached as Appendix 2;and

(c)      consider the Council’s performance against its objectives highlighting any areas of high performance and identifying areas for improvement.

Reasons for Decision:

To enable the Cabinet to monitoring performance management and compliance to drive improvement.

Options Considered:

Not applicable.

AGREED that Cabinet:

a)      note the compliance performance for the end of the financial year, the items for action and changes for next financial years reporting; and

b)      Identify any areas of concern or for further investigation or detail.

The Portfolio Holder - Housing presented the Housing Services Compliance report to provide an update on the position at the end of Q2 2023/24 with regard to compliance assurance overview and actions arising.  The Business Manager - Housing Maintenance & Asset Management was in attendance and explained the work undertaken to gain access to properties to ensure compliance.  The Cabinet noted the numbers of non-compliance cases and heard that with regard to oil servicing it was now only one property which was non-compliant and an appointment for a service had been made.  The delay in the grant of injunctions was noted and Members heard that the team were seeking to work 6 months ahead to ensure all services could be undertaken within the required timescales to ensure compliance.

AGREED      that Cabinet:

(a)      note the compliance performance for the end of the financial year, the items for action and changes for next financial years reporting; and

(b)     identify any areas of concern or for further investigation or detail.

Reasons for Decision:

To enable the Cabinet to monitor performance and compliance relating to the Council’s legal and regulatory landlord responsibilities for 27 building safety measures including fire protection, gas, asbestos, electrical and water.

Options Considered:

Not applicable.