Agenda item

The Area Council Manager provided Members with a financial position and forecast for expenditure based on the projects that have been proposed in order to establish which of the existing financial commitments the North Area Council wish to continue to fund. 

It was highlighted that the sum of £400,000 is available for the period 2017/18 but that current contracts exceed the available budget.  The tenders for the Anti-Poverty Community Outreach Project are due to be evaluated shortly.  The Clean and Green Service (Forge) is due to run until September 2017 but a decision was taken to advertise an enhanced tender opportunity for 2 years (+ 1 year), with tender returns also due to be evaluated in July 2017.  The  Environmental Enforcement contract (Kingdom) is due to run until 31^st March 2019, if all options to extend the contract are taken.  A decision on this is needed by the end of September. 

In terms of the Positive Progressions – Stronger Futures pilot, this would appear to have been overtaken by the European funding.

It was also highlighted that it has not been possible to recruit to the position of Private Sector Housing Officer.  A meeting will be held later in the week to discuss options. 

The exact amount of recycled income from enforcement activity is as yet unknown, but is unlikely to fill the budget deficit. 

RESOLVED that

(i)         The North Area Council note the existing budget position and forecast for the funding commitments and that North Area received a budget of £400,000 for the period 2017/18.

(ii)        Members note the procurement position of the Anti-Poverty and Clean and Green Tender and the position on the recruitment of the Private Sector Housing and Environment Officer

(iii)       A workshop will be arranged to provide a steer in relation to any unallocated funding.