Report of Chief Finance Officer

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(Non-key decision):

(1) To note the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund financial performance for the quarter ended June 2021.

(2) To agree the amended capital programme as set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Finance Officer, updating members on the Council’s financial performance in Quarter 1 for 2021/22, which was indicative of a marginal underspend.

Some of the Council’s income streams, such as car parking income was down for the quarter, however this was because of the pandemic, and it was expected that this would improve for future quarters.

Councillor Nicholson highlighted that the Council needed to be mindful that the various support packages such as the furlough scheme, Covid grant and income compensation grant would shortly be ending and its impact on the wider community.

Councillor MacCleary referenced the recent news around energy prices and asked about its impact on the Council and its tenants. The Chief Finance Officer responded that the Council were mindful and aware of the emerging inflationary context and its impact on the Council’s finances. Further discussions would take place and be part of the service and financial planning process for 22/23. The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning added that the Council had already contacted its broker that arranged energy for the Council and its housing stock to look at the implications and potential mitigations. Conversations had also taken place with a view to speaking with the Tenants of Lewes District (TOLD), on publicising how to assist residents.

Policy and Performance Advisory Committee (PPAC), held on 16 September 2021, considered the report and were supportive of the officer recommendations in full.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

(1) To note the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund financial performance for the quarter ended June 2021.

(2) To agree the amended capital programme as set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

Reason for decisions:

To enable Cabinet members to consider specific aspects of the Council’s financial performance.