Decision details

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson, presented the report of the Chief Finance Officer. 

From November 2019, a year-long commemoration will mark the 400^th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage.  Chorley has a strong connection to the Mayflower voyage through Myles Standish.  It is proposed that a sum of £57k is set aside from the 2019/20 revenue underspends to be part of the national programme of events and to create a fixed term events coordinator post for 18 months to support this programme.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Martin Boardman, noted that reserves are estimated to be around £4.073m at 31 March 2020 and queried if this was sufficient.  The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson advised that reserves are reviewed regularly, and each project is reviewed at the outset in terms of changes to the reserves. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Martin Boardman, queried why the income levels for the sale of bins looks unlikely to meet the income budget set for 2019/20.  The Executive Member (Customer, Advice and Streetscene Services), Councillor Adrian Lowe, advised that it was envisaged technology would help clarify situations around damaged or lost bins, but this will be in place from 1 April 2020.  There have been some minor faults with bins and this will be monitored. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Martin Boardman, noted the budget for events within the borough and queried the use of future underspend.  The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson advised that future underspend may be used to fund events, amongst other things. 

Members noted that the spend relating to the National Graduate Development Programme relates to the employment of a graduate, with a view to them developing their career at Chorley whilst providing additional resource and strategic support. 

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley seconded the unanimous Decision – that approval be given to the following:

1.    To note the full year forecast position for the 2019/20 revenue budget and capital investment. 

2.    To note the forecast position on the Council's reserves.

3.    To request Council approval for the contribution of £57,000 from in-year revenue underspends to finance the Council’s Mayflower 400 celebrations.

4.    To note the capital programme to be delivered in 2019/20 to 2021/22.