Issue - meetings

The Director of Finance and Support Services submitted an exception report on finance and performance monitoring for the period April to June 2014.

In response to a query from Councillor S Bull regarding an anticipated increase in the budget for Bed and Breakfast charges, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained that more people had been placed in Bed and Breakfast accommodation and that the Council, at the beginning of each year, had to make a number of assumptions in relation to planning its budget.  The Executive Member for Finance reminded Members that they did have an opportunity to review charges at scrutiny.

The Director of Finance and Support Services explained that the contingency balance was £225,000 and not as reported.

Councillor T Page requested further information on the projected spend on the Bishop’s Stortford Market Improvement Scheme.  The Director of Finance and Support Services explained that the running of the market was out to tender at the moment and that it would be inappropriate to comment during the tendering process other than to say that this was money which had been set aside for its improvement from the capital budget.  The Executive Member for Finance suggested that the Member speak to the Executive Member for Economic Development in terms of how the figures had been arrived at.

Councillor J Mayes sought clarification on the weir project.  The Director of Finance and Support Services explained that Environment Scrutiny Committee would be receiving an update about the micro hydro unit at its meeting on 12 September 2014.

Councillor M Pope referred to parking income generated from car washing at Jackson Square, Bishop’s Stortford and queried whether there was an opportunity of introducing this in other areas.  The Director of Finance and Support Services explained that the Parking Team had looked at this.  The Scrutiny Officer explained the problems associated with this arrangement including drainage and water supply.  The Director explained that once a decision had been made about the provision of car washing facilities in car parks, the service went out to tender which included issues such as insurance and behaviours.

In response to a query from Councillor M Pope regarding Hertford Theatre, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained that the future governance of the theatre would be part of a business plan and that the Shared Internal Audit Service would be providing the Council with its expertise on this.  The Director provided background information in relation to the theatre’s categorisation as “Amber”.

Members received the report.

RESOLVED – that the report be received.