The Director of Finance presented one of a series of reports submitted throughout the year, which provided an overview of the performance of the Council in delivering the vision for Wirral as set out in the Corporate Plan. It provided an overview of the authority’s performance in the second quarter of 2008/2009 and appendices had been presented to the Cabinet (minute 269 (27 November 2008) refers) which gave a more detailed break down against performance, capital and revenue budgets and risks. He set out the key issues within the report and highlighted the performance indicators and key projects for the priority for improvement areas 2008/2009.

The Chair referred to a key project to contain expenditure within agreed budgets and provide services to agreed standards. Having regard to the potential DASS overspend, he questioned whether its status should be Red and commented upon the need for problems to be identified early enough in order for corrective action to be taken. The Director commented that the timetable for 2009/2010 would be presented to the Cabinet in March and then to this Committee for consideration. The Chair expressed the view that the timely production of material was of concern to members, who expected it to be prepared and available earlier so as to be able to identify adverse trends.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

The Chief Executive presented one of a series of reports submitted throughout the year presenting an overview of the performance of the council in delivering the vision for Wirral as set out in the Corporate Plan. It provided an overview of the authority’s performance in the second quarter of 2008/2009 and appendices had been presented to the Cabinet (minute 269 (27 November 2008) refers) which gave a more detailed break down against performance, capital and revenue budgets and risks. He set out the key issues within the report and highlighted the performance indicators and key projects for the priority for improvement areas 2008/2009.

The Chair commented that although the report was an improvement on the first quarter report, she expressed the view that the key messages within it were not adequately highlighted or immediately obvious. In response, the Council’s Head of Policy confirmed that the third quarter report would take account of the views expressed by members and would be significantly improved in terms of clarity.

In response to further comments, the Director of Finance confirmed that there was every possibility that £2m of investments with an Icelandic bank would be recovered. He commented also that the current, and projected, world economic position was placing additional pressures upon all who relied on the financial sector with implications for the delivery of the Wirral Investment Strategy, major investment schemes and the NewHeartlands initiative. However, at the present time, the Government continued to support the Housing Market Renewal Initiative.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

The Chief Executive presented one of a series of reports submitted throughout the year presenting an overview of the performance of the council in delivering the vision for Wirral as set out in the corporate plan and covered the second quarter of 2008/9.

The report provided an overview of the authority’s performance and the circulated appendices gave a more detailed break down against performance, capital and revenue budgets and risks. 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources welcomed the presentation of the report.

Resolved –

(1)  the performance to date be reviewed and any areas for further action be identified;

(2)  the variations in the capital programme in respect of Adult Social Services IT infrastructure funded from grant and the Bromborough Pool Bridge overspend from within the Local Transport plan (LTP) allocation be approved; and

(3)  the report, without appendices, for the quarter ending 31 December be presented to the Cabinet in February. The full report, which should include the detailed appendices, to be made available on the Virtual Committee.