The Senior Business Partner introduced the report of the Director of Resources which set out the financial monitoring information for the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee and provided members with an overview of budget performance for this area of activity. The financial information in the report detailed the year-end revenue and capital outturn position as reported at quarter 4 2021/22.

Members were informed that the year-end position for Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure is a favourable variance of £1.185m against a budget of £10.261m.

This included mitigation available from the Sales, Fees and Charges income loss compensation scheme. Included in the Committee position is the mitigation available from the Sales, Fees and Charges income loss compensation scheme. This was available until the end of Quarter 1 and the service has claimed 75p in the pound for eligible planned income. The compensation claim is £2.028m.

The focus for the Directorate had been on recovery in 2021/22 with services being gradually reintroduced throughout the year. However, income generating opportunities had not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels due to phased and partial reopening of some services during the year. Most sites reopened and returned to full capacity before the end of the year. However, some Leisure and Library sites were utilised for COVID-19 purposes during the year which restricted income generating opportunities.

Members discussed the reports and asked for more clarification on the reserves, especially around Hilbre Island. This was due to the budget for Hilbre Island transferring to the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee in the last municipal year. Also queried was the favourable outturn, with Members asking if this was due to extra Covid funding. Officers responded to say this was the case, and monitoring of the budgets will be important moving forward.

Resolved – That,

(1)  the year-end revenue position of £1.185m favourable, for 2021-22 be noted.

(2)  the achievement of approved savings and the year end position for 2021-22 be noted 3.

(3)  the reserves allocated to the Committee for future one-off commitments be noted.

(4)   the year-end capital position of £5.734m favourable, for 2021-22 be noted