Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Finance and Support

The report and the forecast under spend of £559k net of management action are noted.

Councillor Mildren addressed Cabinet, having noted the steady forecast of under-spend net of management action. He commented on a number of the details in the savings plans and expressed disappointment that the Richmond Scheme had not progressed.  He then mentioned the potential problems arising from the concessionary bus fares issue and wondered about the effect on future bus use.

Councillor Clark addressed Cabinet and suggested there was a lack of clarity and openness in the way the figures were being reported.  He felt that the figures hid the way in which money was being spent and pointed out a need for consultation with the public about the large amount of expenditure in the formation of the West Northants Joint Strategic Planning Committee.  He felt that the public should be made more aware of exactly how money was being spent.

As Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Perkins presented the report to Cabinet was pleased to point out the achievement of £8.3 million saving.  He explained that the budget was an expectation of reality and that action was taken in response to changes in circumstances as they arose.

With reference to the cost of setting up of the Joint Planning Unit, it was made clear that the Council paid a one third share of the cost to do joint work that the Council would otherwise have to undertake on its own at a higher cost.  Public consultation was not appropriate on issues that were a legal obligation, and where the Council had no choice in the matter.

RESOLVED

That the report and the forecast under spend of £559k net of management action be noted.