The Committee received the first budget monitoring report for 2016/17 showing the position up to 30 June 2016.

The Committee noted the information provided on performance:-

·         against the approved Revenue and Capital budgets for 2016/17, including known variances agreed or identified through budgetary control activity; and

·         other key areas of financial performance that may impact on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, Medium Term Financial Plan, HRA Business Plan or Financial Statements.

In response to a Member’s question regarding Fleet Leisure the Director (Corporate Services) advised that:

• progress on the Fleet Leisure project was continuing but further evaluation of the proposals was being undertaken; although essential works on site had continued to prepare the site for development.;
• Work is ongoing to determine the best use and most financially viable route for the Fleet Leisure site.
• It would be reported back to the teams leading the project that the local Football Clubs and residents feel they are not being consulted on and kept informed on the site’s progress.

Following further questions from Members about the report, officers explained that: 

Pay to Stay Scheme

• The DCLG roadshows offered no new information on the Pay to Stay Policy to provide to Members.  As soon as more information is acquired it will be presented, however it is considered that it will be challenging for government to implemented the scheme by April 2017 as is planned.  
• GBC will contact Dartford Borough Council about the letters some residents have been receiving concerning the scheme

Service Review Process

• A separate paper has been prepared for Cabinet to set out how options from the Service Review Process will be considered by Members.  As decisions are taken to implement options, these will be captured and reflected in the Medium Term Financial Plan.  Reports on progress in implementing options will be presented to Cabinet and incorporated into future Budget Monitoring Reports.

Appropriate consultation will be undertaken on options to be implemented, as will assessments of any equalities impacts.

Borough Market

• The original budget was set ahead of the Council receiving notification of the award of grant to refurbish the Market and therefore reflected the market (as was) being open all year round.  The variance is derived from the Market being closed at the moment, The Market will officially open around 18/19 November 2016 to coincide with Gravesham’s events programme leading up to Christmas. 

Council Tax Reduction Scheme   

• There are approx. seven thousand people in Gravesham receiving support through the scheme, with around half being of pensionable age, half are working age.
• With regard to the discretionary Housing Change Budget, each case is considered on its own merit to help them pay
• Potentially, an Exceptional Hardship Fund is being discussed to offer support; proposals would be brought to Finance & Audit Committee once more information is obtained

The Chair asked that an information circulation be provided to the Committee of how many claimants there are for the Localised Support for Council Tax Scheme

The Committee noted the information contained within the report.