Issue - meetings

Report FSD18087

The Committee considered an update on the latest budget monitoring position for 2018/19 for the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Portfolio based on expenditure and activity levels up to 30 September 2018 which showed a projected underspend of £49k for the total portfolio budget.

In relation to the Summary of Major Variations on page 29 of the report, Members were informed that credits attributed to staffing vacancies in the Building Control and Planning departments were linked to the volume of work at any given time.  Additional staff were employed when necessary to deal with heavy workloads.  Interim measures had been put in place since the departure of the Head of Building Control.

Only one part-time Town Centre Manager post remained and cost-reduction issues had been resolved.  Options for potential BIDS for West Wickham and Chislehurst would be brought forward in a report to the Committee in January 2019, subject to the outcome of the on-going feasibility study work.

Councillor Bear considered it would be useful for a percentage column to be added to the variance table on page 28. It was agreed that the Head of Finance would discuss the required format with Councillor Bear.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to endorse the latest 2018/19 budget projection for the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Portfolio.