The Senior Finance Business Partner introduced the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services which set out the financial monitoring information for the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee as at Quarter 2 of 2022-23. It was reported that there was a forecast adverse position of £3.948M, a portion of this related to an adjustment for the proposed 2022/23 pay award and was mitigated in part by the proposed National Insurance reduction from November 2022. The report gave a summary of progress on the delivery of 2022-23 savings with £1.403M actual savings delivered to date.

In response to Member queries about the £3M contingency fund which was set up for non-achieved savings by the end of the year, it was outlined that this fund sat with the S151 officer, and a bid would have to be made to access this if necessary.

Following a discussion on the impact of the sea wall at West Kirby on footfall at the leisure sites, it was reported that outdoor water sports had become increasingly popular and were not as affected as the catering offer.

Members noted the energy pressures and queried whether this could be brought down by reducing energy usage and referenced the Climate Emergency policy and action plan as well as behavioural changes needed to achieve the net zero by 2030 target.

Resolved – That

(1)  the forecast revenue position presented at Quarter 2 be noted.

(2)  the progress on delivery of the 2022-23 savings programme at Quarter 2 be noted.

(3)  the forecast level of reserves at Quarter 2 be noted.

(4)  the forecast capital position presented at Quarter 2 be noted.