Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain and the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

Members considered a joint report of the Chamberlain and Director of Markets and Consumer Protection comparing the revenue outturn for the services overseen by the Committee in 2019/20 with the final budget for the year. It was noted that additional information was circulated following a query from a Member.

Members were advised that overall total net expenditure during the year was £191,000 whereas the total budget was £124,000, representing an overspending of £67,000.

A Member queried what was covered within the £180k under total premises, street trading & other. Members were informed this included any loss on standard premises licence fees which were nationally set and therefore did not reflect the local cost and non-recoverable statutory work.

A Member was concerned by different budgets being presented to the Committee and requested that all information be included within reports with full explanations from the start. Members discussed changing budgets and Officers confirmed that that the Standing Orders permitted revised budgets. Whilst it was acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic had had a serious impact on budgets across all departments meaning they all would be readjusted, there was a difference between adjustments and carry forwards. A Member recommended taking this up with the Finance Committee. Officers advised that carry forwards were allowed and measured against final budgets.

RESOLVED – That Members note the report and the proposed carry forward of underspendings to 2020/21.