Agenda item

The North Area Council Manager introduced this report, providing Members with a financial position and forecast for expenditure based on the projects that have been proposed.  Some projects have had to be flexed due to the impact of Covid.  The report explains what this has looked like and where additional funding has been applied to projects.

Items of specific note included:

The Anti-poverty community outreach project has been waivered for a further 12 months and may be put out to tender in the early summer of next year unless there is an opportunity for a further waiver.  The Clean and Green service may be advertised as a new opportunity from April of next year with an adapted specification.  Members have now met the new Housing and Cohesion Officer Bradley Beatson.  DIAL’s Warm Connections project is now in the 3rd year of delivery and may be retendered next summer.  In terms of the Stronger Communities grant, some projects have had to be postponed or adapted so that they could continue to provide a service during the emergency situation where appropriate.  Age UK has been working hard in the area, endeavouring to ensure that older people stay mentally and physically active whilst being as independent as possible.  The project is to be extended until June 2021 after a hard winter.  The grant opportunity for the Environmental Contract should be advertised at the end of the month. 

Members were made aware of the adaptations to the budget contained within the report which have occurred as a result of projects requiring more funding or starting later than envisaged. A Member commented that substantial progress has now been made on the Fleets project and that the report should be published on the North Area Council web page to reassure residents. 

RESOLVED that

(i)            The North Area Council should note the existing budget position and funding commitments;

(ii)          Members also note the update regarding the Housing and Cohesion Officer,

(iii)         Members note the updated table showing the proposed spend versus the current forecasted spend for the year, and

(iv)         The Fleets progress report be published o the North Area Council web page for the benefit of residents