CABINET MEMBER REPORT TO THE COUNCIL

Posted By: Greg Couzens
Date Posted: 01/05/2009

ROCHDALE METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

CABINET MEMBER REPORT TO THE COUNCIL

REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE TO THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL ON 29th APRIL 2009


Thank you Mr Mayor for the opportunity to report to the Council the latest developments on various matters relating to the Finance Portfolio.

I am pleased to report that the financial position for 2008/09 has once again shown an improvement since the last report to Council. This is a result of the work of services in managing their budgets and the Treasury Management team who have achieved a further £600k in investment income despite the difficult economic conditions.

Our current forecast is to outturn within around £300k of a gross budget of over £500m. This is a significant achievement and will support the financial position moving forward into the new financial year. The focus of the finance service over the next few months will be to close down the financial position and produce the Council’s statement of accounts.

Work is also well underway to meet the expectations of the Audit Commission in respect of the Comprehensive Area Assessment on our Use of Resources. This is an important assessment and Finance plays a significant role in this judgement, leading on the areas of managing finances and responding to key areas of the assessment on Governing the business. This is the first year of the new assessment and it is our opportunity to demonstrate how well we govern and manage our finances.

2009/10 continues to be difficult financially with significant financial risks and pressures within the Adult Care service and in respect of equal pay.
Negotiations are continuing with the local NHS on the transfer of social care budgets for Learning Disability Services.

These negotiations and financial close on the Rochdale/Oldham street lighting PFI will have a considerable influence on the budget going forward. Funds exist to support budget pressures. These will be managed very carefully with a focus on action being taken to deliver operational service within existing budgets, rather than having recourse to additional funding.

Efficiencies will be crucial throughout 2009/10; one good example is the use of technology. We are proposing to implement a mobile working PDA within environmental management.
A satellite navigation system that monitors all the vehicles and provides communication between the contact centre and the staff on the ground, resulting in less paper work and greater efficiency.

To achieve better value for money we must have the following;

Clarity of objectives
Freedom to innovate
Consequences for failure
Quality financial information

My last proposal and probably the most difficult to implement is the working together of all three parties.

The general public must be tired of listening to the political process and the petty political point scoring.
I know that we have our differences of opinion but I also know that we all want the same outcome, a borough to be proud of.

Councillor Greg Couzens

Thank you Mr Mayor, I will be pleased to answer any questions from Members of the Council about these or any other matters relating to the Finance Portfolio