Agenda item

To consider the level of spending against the Council’s Revenue and Capital budgets for the first 3 months to 30th June 2018.

Members considered the report outlining Financial Performance Monitoring at Month 3 2018/2019.

The Committee questioned why there had been reduced income from CCTV, as it was regarded that demand for the service was high. Mr Cavill responded that although demand was high, few were willing to pay the associated cost of using the service. It was also noted that the service was dependent on volunteers being available to monitor the televisions and that a new location was required for the service as the Old Police Station where it was based was due to close.

The Children’s Services overspend was also discussed. Mr Thompson informed the Committee that demographic pressures on services had been presented to a recent meeting of the Audit Committee. This had included a forecast of the changes to the age profile of Blackpool’s population, which Members requested be circulated to them for information. The issue remained a high priority for the Council and a report on the service was scheduled for the 13 September 2018 meeting of the Resilient Communities and Children’s Scrutiny Committee.

A query was raised regarding whether the Council had considered use of the Municipal Bonds Agency (MBA) as a method of borrowing. Mr Thompson responded that it had, but the MBA’s progress in issuing its first bond had been slow to date.