Agenda and decisions

Members are reminded of their obligation under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests in any matter(s) to be considered or being considered at the meeting. These are explained in the Code of Conduct on the Council’s website at Code of conduct for members – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk).

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee held on 17 September 2024

This covering report and annexes provide data on Quarter 2 (July-September 2024) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are aligned to the Corporate Strategy 2023-2027 and monitored on a quarterly or annual basis. This data is a key tool in assessing performance management and helping to deliver positive change.

This report sets out the proposed fees and charges for 2025/26 within the purview of the Scrutiny Select Committee for review and thereafter for recommendation to Cabinet.

This report brings forward an updated draft Procurement Strategy for comment and recommendation to Cabinet

To discuss the collection practices for council tax and other debts following the findings of the Money Advice Trust’s ‘Stop The Knock’ research into local authority debt collection;  and consider an opportunity that has arisen  for a pilot with ReachOut.

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules this report informs Members of the current financial position to the end of September 2024 for the 2024/25 Financial Year.

(Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing and Director of Finance and Transformation)

Members received information on the current financial year position to the end of September 2024 and the position related to savings achieved since the budget was set in February 2024. 

Whilst a net favourable variance was reported particular reference was made to homelessness and temporary accommodation spend.  The net expenditure incurred by the end of July represented an overspend of £344,000.  If the client levels, cost of TA and debt recovery continued at the current levels until the end of the financial year the overspend against the agreed budget would be in the region of £555,000.  Members were also advised that the current significant costs of TA continued to be offset by the good performance of the Borough Council’s investment and treasury funds.

Details of salary, income, investment income and business rates monitoring to end of September 2024 was set out in the report and noted by Members.

Following consideration by the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing resolved that:

(1)             as at the end of September 2024, a net favourable variance of circa £296,512 when compared to the proportion of the 2024/25 budget, as shown in 8 of the report, be noted;

(2)             the potential issues surrounding the impact of the current client levels, cost of Temporary Accommodation and debt recovery within the revenue budget for Homelessness Accommodation be noted;

(3)             the current business rate pool position as at the end of September 2024, as set out in 10 of the report, be noted; and

(4)             the current spend on Capital Projects for 2024/25, set out in 11 of the report, be noted.

In October 2023, a new Digital and IT Strategy for the period 2023 – 2027 was approved.  This report provides an update on progress to date.

The Work Programme setting out matters to be scrutinised during 2024/25 is attached for information.  Members can suggest future items by liaising with the Chair of the Committee.  

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

(Reasons: Part 2 - Private: LGA 1972 - Sch 12A Paragraph 3 - Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

The report provides Members with an update on the interim Medium Term Financial Strategy.  Due to the commercial sensitivities contained in the report the matter will be discussed in Private.

(Reason: Part 2 – Private: LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

(Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing and Director of Finance and Transformation)

Members were provided with an interim update of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).  Attention was drawn to the latest financial pressures, assumptions currently within the MTFS and areas of potential impact on future finances.  

As a consequence, the funding gap had grown and three scenarios were detailed in the report.  However, significant savings were required in order to preserve the integrity of the authority’s financial plans. 

It was acknowledged that the position would be likely to change again before the Cabinet and Council set the Budget in February 2025 and therefore a further update would be presented in due course.

Following consideration by the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing resolved that:

(1)        the current position on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy be noted; and

(2)        the areas identified causing the increase in the funding gap be noted.