Issue - meetings

Report FSD18032

Based on expenditure and activity levels to 31st December 2017, the latest budget monitoring position for 2017/18 for the Environment Portfolio showed an underspend of £797k, with the controllable budget projected to be underspent by £566k at year-end.

Details were provided of the projected outturn with a forecast of projected spend against each relevant service area compared to the latest approved budget. Background to variations was also outlined.

In view of extra green garden waste (GGW) income, a Member asked whether it would be possible to reinstate the former opening times of the garden waste site at Charles Darwin School, Biggin Hill. The Portfolio Holder reminded that a decision was previously taken on service provision for satellite GGW sites and extra income did not imply the service is making a profit. 

On variations due to staff vacancies, vacancies within Street Scene/Green Spaces and Parking had led to projected underspends of £99k and £55k respectively. Vacancies in Parking related to the shared service with L B Bexley and an outcome of the new contract; officers had previously managed in line with budget. Some of the vacancies were also due to staff turnover and it is necessary to consider staff (levels) and budget.

Concerning an overall Parking underspend of £288k (projected), income was expected to be £291k below budget (£53k related to a delay in rolling out additional on-street parking bays), partly offset by extra income from cashless parking fees at £62k and defaults applied to the contract at £159k (£23k defaults related to Off and On Street Parking and £136k defaults related to Parking Enforcement, the latter default partly offsetting a deficit of £190k which was projected from Parking Enforcement). Additionally, extra income of £40k had been received from charges to suspend parking restrictions along with £35k from parking permits. The staffing underspend at £55k along with other variations at Cr £18k completed the monitoring position for parking services. 

APCOA’s poor initial performance contributed to the Parking contract underspend (due to defaults). Car parks are also less used even though the car park estate remains constant and well maintained (including the receipt of awards) and charges have not recently changed; internet shopping also contributes to reduced car park use. Although the contract had robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), they could not be set to recover every loss and a far better performance was being sought for Parking Services.    

A Member advocated a more flexible charging approach at each car park based on supply and demand, suggesting that revenue could increase should some charges be reduced. 

The Portfolio Holder also took the opportunity to say that he had thanked staff and contractors for tackling the impact of recent severe weather. The Portfolio Holder paid tribute to the work of the Council’s Winter Service Team and Snow Friends in keeping the borough moving during the weather conditions. The Chairman added that she had received compliments related to the gritting service. 

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to endorse the latest  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63