Decision

The Committee has decided to approve financial monitoring details and write-offs of Council Tax and Business Rates for the 4th quarter.

Analysis

outcome: Recommendations were approved by the Committee.

summary: The decision involved reviewing financial monitoring details, including budget variances and performance indicators for the 4th quarter, as well as approving write-offs of Council Tax and Business Rates.

topline: The Committee has decided to approve financial monitoring details and write-offs of Council Tax and Business Rates for the 4th quarter.

reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it mainly involves financial monitoring and budget allocations.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council Tax payers", "Business owners", "Committee Members"]

contentiousness_score: 2

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://committee.worcester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=264

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered a report on financial monitoring details including budget variances and performance indicators for the 4th quarter ended 31 March 2025. The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources presented the report, which included information on write-offs of Council Tax and Business Rates for the quarter and an explanation of the outcome of an initial review of earmarked reserves which was undertaken as part of year end processes.    In summary, there was a total surplus for the year of £71k, which was more favourable than anticipated.   During the last quarter of 2024/25 £86k of Council Tax debt was written off along with £58k of Business Rates. Worcester’s share of these figures represented £9k and £23k respectively.   The report also explained two matters which had been referred to this Committee for decision from other committees as the proposals were above the financial threshold:   ·        Communities Committee - £70k allocation from Reserves towards Play Strategy programme;   ·        Environment Committee – use of Extended Producer Responsibility Grant to recruit a permanent Waste & Recycling Education and Communications Officer (circa £60k per annum).   The Corporate Director clarified that the reference in the report to reallocation of £20k from s.106 allocation relating to Medway Road should state Mayfield Road.   Officers responded to questions and comments from Committee Members.   RESOLVED: That the Committee agree to:   1.    note the financial monitoring details including budget variances and performance indicators for the 4th quarter ended 31 March 2025;   2.    note the write-offs of Council Tax and Business Rates for the quarter ended 31 March 2025;   3.    the balances on earmarked reserves at 31 March 2025;   4.    the referral from Communities Committee regarding £70k allocation from Reserves towards Play Strategy programme, as per paragraph 8.3; and   5.    the referral from Environment Committee regarding EPR fund the waste & recycling comms and education officer (circa £60k per annum), as per paragraph 8.7.

Date of Decision: July 15, 2025