URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1342

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet had before it a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) and the Head of Finance, Property and Climate Resilience on the 2025/26 Quarter 2 Budget Monitoring.   The Cabinet Member for Governance, Finance and Risk outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:   The 2025/26 Quarter 2 Budget Monitoring report detailed the current projected General Fund overspend of £156k, a Housing Revenue Account overspend of £745k with narrative explaining the variances. The Capital Programme variances including underspends, overspends, and slippage, with recommendations for budget increases due to additional grants and housing stock purchases. The report updated Members on the usage of procurement waivers, the social rent corrections, and the ongoing financial risks amid uncertain future funding.   Discussion took place with regards to:   Providing clarification around the disposal of the derelict social house as referred to within the recommendation. It was explained that it was uneconomic to renovate, the land had development and the Council would seek to sell the land for the maximum price.  Clarification regarding the Housing Revenue stock and if that was a forecast outturn position or an overspend. It was explained that it was a forecast outturn, however it was in year and changes may happen.   RESOLVED that:   a)    The financial monitoring information for the income and expenditure for the three months to 30 September 2025 and the projected outturn position be NOTED. b)    To recommend to Full Council that the increase to the Capital Programme of £526k in respect of additional Grant funding received (£276k – see par 5.3) and extra budget to further increase the HRA Housing Stock (£250k – see para 5.5) be AGREED.  c)    Delegated Authority be given for the Head of Housing and Health in association with the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) to dispose of a derelict social house which was uneconomic to renovate, and where there was no need for such a home and use the capital receipt generated to reinvest in the provision of additional social housing - see para 5.6. d)    The use of Waivers and Direct Awards for the Procurement of goods and services as included in Section 7 be NOTED. e)    The performance achieved in respect of resolving the Social Rent errors within the Council’s direct control and recognise the impact of the delays in responses from partner organisations, as outlined within Section 8 be NOTED. f)     The update on future funding given in paragraphs 9.2 be NOTED.   (Proposed by Cllr J Downes and seconded by Cllr G DuChesne)   Reason for Decision: Good financial management and administration underpin the entire document. A surplus or deficit on the Revenue Budget would impact on the Council’s General Fund balances. The Council’s financial position was constantly reviewed to ensure it was continued financial health.   Note: *Report previously circulated  

Date of Decision: November 4, 2025