Agenda item

(A report by Rob Barlow, Chief Executive)

The Committee received a report from the Head of Finance (Client), PSPSL providing an update on the financial position of the Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) as at the end of Quarter 3 (31 December 2024). The

the details of the income and expenditure relating to BTAC for Quarter 3 2024/25 were attached to the report at Appendix A.

The forecast outturn for the 2024/25 financial year indicated an overspend of £16,079, which represented a significant improvement from the £49,000 overspend forecast at Quarter 2. This favourable movement of £33,000 was primarily attributed to a comprehensive review of recharges and service costs, commissioned by the Chairman and supported by the Assistant Director – Culture and Leisure and the Finance Team.

Key points included:

·         A detailed line-by-line review of BTAC service budgets had been undertaken, resulting in the identification of £30,000 in savings across various support service charges.

·         The Chairman had personally scrutinised operational costs, including those related to public conveniences, grounds maintenance, and administration, with support from PSPSL officers and service leads.

·         The gate-locking service for Central Park had exceeded its budget (£23,000 actual vs. £17,000 budgeted), but a portion of this had been carried forward to 2025/26 due to the contract’s September end date. The decision of the Committee not to renew the contract would result in a saving in the next financial year.

·         The revised forecast meant that reliance on BTAC reserves had been significantly reduced.

The Committee was advised that:

·         The opening balance of BTAC reserves at the start of the financial year was £207,611.

·         After accounting for the forecast overspend and approved grant allocations, the projected closing balance at 31 March 2025 was £173,000.

·         This represented a stronger financial position than previously anticipated.

Clarification was requested in relation to the increase in the cost of inspection of play equipment. This was attributable to increased regulations and although the Council’s own officers did routine weekly inspections, the annual inspections were undertaken externally (including by ROSPA and the Council’s insurers) and there were increased costs associated with them. These checks and inspections were necessary to ensure that the play equipment was maintained to the highest standard and in the safest way possible for its users.

Clarification was requested in relation to the increased expenditure in relation to materials. Confirmation was provided that this related to the materials for the park’s public conveniences. Some materials were bought in advance and stored to take advantage of buying power and all supplies were market tested on a regular basis. The Chairman also clarified that as part of the budget review which he had undertaken recently he had been advised by those working on site that one of the largest costs at the public conveniences was damage caused either to hand driers and/or toilets and the cost of materials in clearing up after anti-social behaviour would be a factor.

Members commended the Chairman and officers for their diligence in reviewing the budget and welcomed the improved financial outlook. It was noted that the savings identified would also benefit future years, including the 2025/26 budget and the transition to a putative Town Council structure.

A Member queried whether any retrospective reimbursement could be sought for overcharges in previous years. The Head of Finance (Client), PSPSL agreed to explore this further.

The position regarding a potential refund from Anglian Water in relation to sewerage charges at Central Park was considered and it was agreed that more information would be obtained regarding this.

The Chairman thanked the Finance Team, particularly the outgoing Section 151 Officer, for their professionalism and support throughout the review process.

Resolved:

That the financial position, as at 31^st December 2024, and the forecast reserve position be noted.