Decision
(a) That the Senior Leadership Team’s
forecast for Dorset Council’s revenue budget position at the end of quarter 2
and the improvement since quarter 1 be noted;
(b) That Cabinet note the continuing impact that
these changes could mean for the development of the 2021/22 budget strategy;
(c) That Cabinet note the proposals to
improve the position during the year and consider further action to address the
budget gap;
(d) That the latest position on the capital
programme and the impact that this was having on capital financing in the
revenue budget set out in appendix 1, be noted;
(e) That the current positions on collection
funds and collection rates and the impact that the council tax position in
particular might have on local preceptors be noted;
(f) (i) That
the grant allocation of £2.3m from
the Department for Education (DfE) for the Priority
Schools Building Programme 2 (PSPB2) project at The Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis
be accepted and the Executive Director for People – Children with the Executive
Director for Corporate Development be authorised to sign the grant agreement
form;
(ii) That subject to
signature of the grant agreement, for Dorset Council to Commit to Construct,
authority be delegated to the Executive Director People - Children’s in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Peoples Children Education Skills
and Early Help and the Executive Director for Corporate Development to enter
into contract(s) on best terms achievable, provided the project was within
budget.
Reason for the Decision
The Council has responsibilities to deliver against its 2020/21 revenue budget and capital programme whilst maintaining adequate reserves. Cabinet wishes to understand clearly the financial impact and consequences of the Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding the current year’s position and performance is also key to
developing the medium-term financial plan (MTFP) and budget strategy.