To receive and scrutinise the Q1 2017/18 Budget Monitoring Report on all areas of Council Business.

(a) Outturn Revenue Budget Monitoring

(b) Outturn Capital Budget Monitoring

(c) Outturn HRA Budget Monitoring

The Director of Resources introduced the Q1 revenue budget monitoring report that forecast the Council would achieve its budget by March 2018.  There was a slight overspend within the Corporate Resources Directorate, which based on expected savings on salaries throughout the Council but the £1m efficiencies were now on course to be delivered.

With regards to the Capital Budget the Executive had approved a virement to progress the Thorn Turn and the Depot schemes.  The Director advised the variances in the Capital programme could be pinpointed to individual schemes and provided a better understanding than in previous years.  Within Community Services an £8m budget for strategic acquisitions had been introduced in order that officers utilised funds speedily when viable schemes presented themselves.

Concern regarding the pressures on homelessness in the HRA Budget was raised and it was proposed that the SCHH OSC consider widening its impending Homelessness Review to include shared ownership and affordable rental housing schemes.

In response to a question regarding the Houghton Central scheme delays, the Director of Community Services advised that, subject to agreement, a tender for the project would be ready in January 2018.

RECOMMENDED

1.    The Social Care Health and Housing OSC widens the Homelessness Review to include shared ownership and affordable rental housing schemes.

2.    Noted and endorsed the Revenue, Capital budget and HRA budgets.