The Interim Strategic Director for Corporate Resources will submit a report (Document “D”) which provides members an insight into the Council’s overall finance and performance position at the end of the 2017-18 financial year.

Recommended –

That the Executive is recommended to:

(1)       Note the financial position of the Council reported for the year   ended 31 March 2018.

(2)       Approve £1.6m of better use of budget requests as outlined in   Section 2.1 of Appendix A to Document “D”.

(3)       Note the performance position and endorse the new KPI measures and targets as outlined in Appendix B to Document “D”.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Andrew Cross – 01274 436823 / Philip Witcherley - 01274 431241)

The Interim Strategic Director for Corporate Resources submitted a report (Document “D”) which provided members with an insight into the Council’s overall finance and performance position at the end of the 2017-18 financial year.

In relation to performance the Head of Policy and Performance summarised the Council’s overall performance over the last 12 months. The Council and the wider district had had a number of successes which had been validated by external sources and partners.  It was noted that performance against the Council Plan indicators was good, with most of the targets being met, notable successes were alluded to including the Care Quality Commission praising both the NHS and the Council for its strong and mature partnership working; the district being the fourth most improved area on education attainment; the district was also rated as the best place to start a business in the UK by Barclays as well as the Council being rated as one of the top 10 most productive Councils in England.

The Leader acknowledged the areas of achievement and the Deputy Leader cited the renewed confidence around education in Bradford as well as getting recognition for being the 4^th most improved Local Authority area in the country.  He added that within the education sphere there were good leaders, good teachers and officers and they should be praised for spearheading many of the initiatives.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder stated that within his Portfolio area it had been a strong year in terms of performance and he thanked officers and the business community for their contribution.  Notable successes included recognition of Bradford’s case in Northern Powerhouse Rail planning, city centre and station developments as well as the City Centre Growth Scheme, which was a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit in Bradford.

The Healthy People and Places Portfolio Holder thanked officers for their hard work in a successful Tour de Yorkshire, Bingley Live as well as the successful transition to alternate weekly bin collections which had resulted in a significant increase in kerbside recycling.  The Council’s performance during the severe winter weather as well as tackling delay in the transfer from care was a testimony to the dedication of officers and staff. 

In the area of Looked after Children the Portfolio Holder for Children and Families pointed out that although there had been an increase in the numbers of LAC, this was reflective of the national picture, however, our overall numbers were still low in comparison to our statistical neighbours.

In the area of Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, the Portfolio Holder cited the success of ‘Operation Steerside’ in tackling dangerous driving and the excellent partnership working with the Police, to make Bradford a safer place.

In summary the Leader stressed that the successful delivery of services was not just about the Council but was about working with Partners and she thanked them for their contribution.

In relation to the financial performance, the headline financial result showed that the Council underspent the £375.2m approved net budget by £0.3 million in line with previous forecasts.  Despite the overall underspend, there were a number of significant departmental budget variances, particularly in the area of Adults, Children’s Services and Place. Savings of £22.6m had not been delivered and were taken into account in the 2018/19 budget

The Leader thanked Council staff for delivering a balanced budget, however, there were still savings that were unmet and this was getting difficult year on year in the context of continuing Government cuts in Local Government expenditure and increasing demand However, the Council Economic Strategy was key to realising the Council’s growth potential and it was important to measure this growth within the performance framework.

Resolved –

(1)       That the financial position of the Council reported for the             year ended 31 March 2018 be noted.

(2)       That £1.6m of better use of budget requests be approved as       outlined in Section 2.1 of Appendix A to Document “D”.

(3)       That the performance position be noted and that the new KPI     measures and targets as outlined in Appendix B to            Document “D” be endorsed.

ACTION: Interim Strategic Director Corporate Resources

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)