49 FINANCIAL MONITORING (0.52.27) PDF 149 KB
To receive a report from the Head of Finance presenting a financial update in respect of the income and expenditure so far in the year.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Committee had before it and NOTED a report * from the Head of Finance presenting a financial update in respect of the income and expenditure so far in the year.
The Officer informed the Group that there was an adverse variance of £229k at the time of the report. Areas under the responsibility of this PDG with a negative variance were Planning Services at £120k and Leisure at £70k. Planning was due to enforcement action that had taken place in Cullompton and Leisure was predominantly due to a decrease in income and some extra maintenance at the centres.
The Officer further explained that monitoring since the report had been produced showed a larger variance, which was in part due to the cost of restructuring at Leisure Centres.
The Head of Human Resources and Development explained that the Leisure Service had been through a robust reorganisation and was now undertaking a more strategic approach. This would free-up officer time to promote the business. Some long-term members of staff had left and the centres were in a transition period at the moment. A strong steer from Finance stated that the Leisure Service needed to break even by 2019-20. Cuts in formula grant meant that discretionary services must break even. The service needed to get new customers and not alienate existing customers. A very experienced management team was now in place with specific targets and aims, new teams of duty managers would be more efficient and more stream lined.
Discussion took place regarding free parking in the long stay car parks leading up to Christmas and the need to ensure that this was clearly signed.
Note: - * Report previously circulated and attached to Minutes.