Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Portfolio Holder for Finance,  Commercial and Assets.

Decision

(a)      That the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast for Dorset Council’s position at the end of Quarter 2 and the movement since Quarter 1 be received and noted;

(b)      That the impact that any overspend will have on reserves and the general fund be noted and

(c)       That the update to the MTFP following the Spending Review and the work in progress to develop a sustainable base budget for 2020/21 and beyond be noted.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Assets updated members on the council’s financial performance, positions and forecasts at the end of the second quarter of the financial year. 

The forecast reported a total overspend of 14.7m.  The Portfolio Holder confirmed that key contributors to this increase  was the increasing level of demand for Adult and Children’s services.  Members were reminded that the council’s agreed policy was to invest to reduce future needs and cost.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help confirmed that a number of initiatives were being developed and implemented to control demand and mange cost; this included the Blueprint for Change Strategy and the Building Better Lives programme.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Assets reported that the council had reserves at the very top end of its target range which could be used to deal with some of these short term issues in the revenue budget whilst work continued in transforming service. 

It was agreed that 2019/20 was a challenging year but members remained confident that the council had the resources available to overcome short-term pressures whilst it continued to refine the vision, strategies and operating model that would deliver the sustainable, dynamic and innovative organisation that Dorset’s residents need.

Decision

(a)       That the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast for Dorset Council’s position at the end of Quarter 2 and the movement since Quarter 1 be received and noted;

(b)       That the impact that any overspend will have on reserves and the general fund be noted and

(c)        That the update to the MTFP following the Spending Review and the work in progress to develop a sustainable base budget for 2020/21 and beyond be noted.