Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To inform the Cabinet Member of the projected revenue expenditure within the portfolio cash limit and capital programme for the current financial year 2017-18. This report sets out the budget position and contributing factors to the projected year-end overspend within the portfolio as at the end of December 2017.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member:

(1)  Notes the Children and Families Portfolio forecast budget position, at the end of December 2017, of £3.0m in excess of current approved cash limit provision and the explanation provided for this significant increase in projected overspend since the beginning of the year.

(2)  Notes the steps which have been taken to strengthen the scrutiny of care placement decisions with a view to controlling costs where possible and the further development this year of approaches to managing demand, with the aim of reducing the projected overspend position and delivering a balanced budget within the area of Children's Social Care.

(3)  Notes the capital programme spending is currently in line with the approved capital budget.

(TAKE IN REPORT)

The Cabinet Member said that adequate time had been given to read the report and therefore an officer presentation was not required.  Councillor Wood made reference to the budget that was presented to Council on 13 February and said there was a figure under the heading for 'children and education' and he thought this should in fact be 'children'.  The Cabinet Member said that this would be duly noted.

DECISIONS: The Cabinet Member

1) Noted the Children and Families Portfolio forecast budget position, at the end of December 2017, of £3.0m in excess of current approved cash limit provision and the explanation provided for this significant increase in projected overspend since the beginning of the year.

(2) Noted the steps which have been taken to strengthen the scrutiny of care placement decisions with a view to controlling costs where possible and the further development this year of approaches to managing demand, with the aim of reducing the projected overspend position and delivering a balanced budget within the area of Children's Social Care.

(3) Noted the capital programme spending is currently in line with the approved capital budget