Decision details

(TAKE IN REPORT)

The report was introduced by Beverley Pennekett, Finance Manager.  Mr Stoneman added that the directorate would not be looking to make any call on the surplus that has been carried forward for Education due to the extent of existing budget pressures.

In response to a question from Councillor Hockaday about concerns of the overspend of the home to school transport budget, Mr Stoneman said that the LA had consulted on changes to the policy last year and these changes were now in place from September.  This removed the discretionary elements with the hope that this would balance the budget. However, the numbers of eligible pupils is increasing so the pressure will remain.  The full picture will not be known until the autumn when the transport arrangements have been firmed up, but it is clear this will be an ongoing pressure. 

DECISIONS: The Cabinet Member:

(1) Noted the Education Portfolio outturn position for 2017-18 of £348,000 under the approved cash limit provision and the capital programme position at the end of the financial year.

(2) Noted the existing commitments against the underspend therefore reducing the amount in the portfolio reserve to support future service pressures.

(3) Noted the potential cash limit pressure for the 2018-19 financial year; and that this will continue to be monitored and reported regularly during the year.