The Senior Finance Business Partner introduced the report of the Director of

Neighbourhood Services which set out the financial monitoring information

for the Committee as at Quarter 3 (31 December) of 2023/24. The report provided an overview of budget performance, including progress on the delivery of the 2023/24 saving programme and a summary of reserves and balances. It was reported that at the end of Quarter 3, there was a forecast adverse position £1.632m which related to shortfalls and adverse variance within car parks, tree maintenance and environmental enforcement.

Members queried the capital programme underspend in energy efficiency building work and whether it would be carried into the next financial year. building works. The Assistant Director reported that the underspend was being used to match fund the public sector decarbonisation scheme in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Local Authorities. Members also discussed work to be undertaken to deliver budget savings in the next financial year.

Resolved – That

1.  the Directorate forecast adverse position of £1.632m presented at Quarter 3 be noted;

2.  the progress on delivery of the 2023/24 savings programme at Quarter 3 be noted;

3.  the forecast level of reserves and balances at Quarter 3 be noted; and

4.  the forecast capital position presented at Quarter 3 be noted.