URL: https://cds.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=392&J=1

Decision Maker: Finance & Investment Advisory Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Head of Finance set out the Financial Monitoring report to the end of November 2025 and showed the forecast position to the end of March 2026, which was an unfavourable variance of £197,000 compared to a forecast of £405,000 in September.   Finance Officers had been working with budget holders and Senior Mangers since the last report to reduce the variance. Underspends were now forecast on salaries within IT and the Contact Centre. The favourable forecast on Car Park Penalty Charge Notice income had also increased.   Members were advised that there was an unusually high level of expenditure on hearings and public inquiries which was forecast to be £138,000 over budget in Planning Enforcement. Due to the nature of the cost this had resulted in the Corporate Director of Finance and Trading completing a supplementary estimate which would be funded from reserves.   Members considered the report, giving consideration to the building control service regarding staffing and consultancy fees. This was considered alongside other staffing vacancies across the Council. Members were advised that it was, in many cases, harder to recruit to the specialist teams and this was consistent with other Local Authorities.   Resolved: That the report be noted.

Date of Decision: January 6, 2026