The Lead Member for Finance and Economic Development introduced the latest Financial Update report. 

The Lead Member informed that he had held a number of Cabinet positions since he had become a councillor but this would be his last Cabinet meeting.  Cabinet were informed that the report showed a strong year end position despite a number of unprecedented challenges throughout the year.

Cabinets attention was drawn towards agenda pack page 47 that contained appendix A and showed the projected general fund at £7.922.000.  This projection did show the use of £1 million of reserves but as reported throughout the year there had been a number of pressures but our most vulnerable residents had been protected.  There also remained a healthy level of reserves above the recommended level that enabled the council to respond to any future issues.

The Lead Member informed that Adult Social Care were reporting a net underspend of £111,000 even though there had been a number of pressures throughout the year such as increased demand for placements and homecare.  There had also been higher contributions from clients who had the assets to pay for care totalling £432,000.

With regards to Children’s Services the Lead Member highlighted the dedicated schools grant which had a reported deficit of £917,000 which had been reduced from £1,212,000 due to mitigating actions implemented by the Schools Forum.  This was a healthier position then a lot of other authorities across the country who still had increasing deficits. 

Cabinet were also informed of pressures relating to Revenues and Benefits where additional adverse movement had been identified during the reconciliation for the final quarter, details were provided in appendix G. 

The Lead Member also reported that in February 2019 Cabinet endorsed a number of grant allocations, they also encouraged organisations to apply for community grants throughout the year.  Delegated authority had been granted to the  Head of Communities, Enforcement and Partnerships in consultation with the Grants Panel Chairman to award interim grants.

As the Lead Member for Finance and Economic Development was also the Grants Panel Chairman he wished to report those interim grants awarded, for transparency, as he would not be standing in the forthcoming local elections.  Cabinet were informed that the following grants had been awarded since the February Cabinet meeting:

Rotary Club Ascot - £536

Furze Platt Scout Club - £1,500

Old Windsor Parish Church - £1,000

Windsor Homeless Project - £7,500

Berkshire Community Foundation - £5,000

Windsor Royals - £600

Wild About Gardens - £500

Neighbourhood Watch Association - £750

Mad Millenials - £1,000

Bracknell CAB - £2,000

Maidenhead Foodbank - £4,000

Maidenhead Sea Cadets - £500

Apna Verrsa - £1,000

Sports Able - £500

Resolved unanimously: that Cabinet notes the council’s projected outturn position for 2018-19.