Issue - meetings

The Panel is invited to comment on the Finance Performance Report 2023/24 Quarter 4.

Executive Councillor: B Mickelburgh

By means of a report by the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Finance Performance 2023/24 Quarter 4 Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Jennings observed that whilst he was aware, following the Corporate Governance Committee, the reasons for the large variance on the audit fees, it would be helpful if the auditors could highlight this in advance in future. Councillor Jennings further requested detail surrounding the noted variance of higher than expected utilities costs at One Leisure, following which the Panel heard that full detail would be sought and communicated back to the Panel.

Following an enquiry by Councillor Martin, the Panel heard that the underspend for the previous financial year had been £1.7 million and that some of the figures within the reserve account were in relation to future activities.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

That the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.