Agenda item

(A report by Strategic Finance Manager)

The Strategic Finance Manager (PSPSL) presented the report, which provided an update to members on the BTAC financial position, showing the budget and forecast for 2024/25 Quarter 2. Details of the income and expenditure relating to BTAC for Quarter 2 2024/25, were outlined at Appendix A. A net cost of £49,516 was reflected as the current forecast position. £207,611 was reflected as the opening balance of the BTAC reserve on 1 April 2024. The BTAC’s reserve of £139,955 (recommended minimum was £70,000), was forecasted as the closing balance.

Members comments included the following:

Councillor Andy Izard queried the use and cost for mobile phones and suggested the use of advertising boards as an additional source of income. The Assistant Director advised that mobile phones were used by various staff members providing services in the BTAC area, including toilet attendants and events staff. The Head of Finance (Client) (PSPSL) advised that advertising boards could be considered considering they passed the feasibility test.

Councillor Mike Gilbert queried the source of the £18,000 savings and what level of longevity they held towards further years. The Strategic Finance Manager (PSPSL) advised that inaccurate past charges had been identified, savings found in 2024 would be reflected in Q3 and the budget would be realigned

The Chairman queried the employee cost for public conveniences. The Group Manager - General Fund Assets and the Assistant Director advised that the matter would be analysed to identify potential efficiencies in support of the budget. The Chairman emphasised the need to review those costs further.

Responding to a question raised by the Chairman questioning the water rates and whether the figures included any unresolved issues, the Group Manager - General Fund Assets confirmed that the figures were accurate and reflected the current rates without any outstanding problems.

Councillor Paul Gleeson commented on the small print size in the report and requested larger print for future reports. The Chairman acknowledged the issue and assured that future reports would have larger print.

Councillor Anton Dani noted the absence of maintenance costs for certain areas and questioned whether there had been any repairs or damages. The Strategic Finance Manager (PSPSL) advised that the figures reflected actual costs to date, and that there had been no maintenance expenses up to 30^th September 2024.

Councillor Anne Dorrian suggested that the Committee consider the efficiency savings identified in relation to employee cost for public conveniences and how they could be achieved. This request was noted by officers.

Councillor Dorrian praised the good work done by the employees in charge of looking after Council’s facilities, with a special mention to toilet attendants.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh queried the plan to achieve efficiency targets. The Head of Finance (client) (PSPSL) advised that work was in progress and further details would be reflected in the Q3 report. He added that further elaboration would be provided in co-ordination with the Chairman and the Assistant Director.

The Chairman praised the work that officers had done in the report, providing savings and adding clarity to queries raised by the Committee. He added that further clarification was being sought as the work was ongoing.

Councillor Andy Izard queried whether the BTAC reserves had been separated from the Council ones and whether any interest achieved from those was reflected in BTAC’s income. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe advised that BTAC, as part of Boston Borough Council, had no funds of its own. He added that a notional fund existed, but no interests were gained from it. The Head of Finance (Client) (PSPSL) noted the query and advised that further information would be provided.

Councillor Mike Gilbert advised that, considering the previous question, the work done within the budget could be beneficial if the Council was to consider moving to a Town Council.

RESOLVED:

That the financial position, as at 30^th September 2024, and the forecast reserve position be noted.