The Senior Manager for Corporate Finance reported on the Financial Monitoring Report for 2018 – 19 (Quarter 1) and explained that the purpose of the report was to update the committee on the financial position of the Council. He also provided a verbal report in the form of PowerPoint slides. The written report and appendices set out the projected revenue and capital monitoring position for 2018/19 as at the close of quarter 1 (30 June 2018). The report also provided details of the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2019/20 – 2022/23 (MTFS) and preparation of the budget for 2019/20.

Members were advised that, in July the Cabinet agreed a new MTFS covering the period 2019/20 – 2022/23 during which the Council would continue to implement the pledges contained in the Wirral Plan whilst operating in a challenging financial environment.

Members heard how the revenue overspend is £2.2m for the year, mainly due to slippage on implementing savings options. It was then reported that the overspend for 18/19 is £0.7million.

It was reported that during the period 2019/20 – 2022/23, the Council will continue to face financial constraints and pressures and that the medium term financial planning period to 2023 will see continued grant funding reductions and financial pressures as a result of increasing demand. It was further reported that the MTFS from 2019 to 2023 describes the way that the Council will address challenges via a three phased approach – The Medium Term Financial Strategy, The Medium Term Financial Plan and The Financial Resilience Plan. Details of how the Council sought to resolve the funding gap in the short and medium to long term were set out within the report.

The role of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was explained and responsible services were set out into 3 board blocks including: - Environment – waste collection, waste levy, environment health, licensing, trading standards – Housing and Planning – supported housing, homelessness, housing standards and; Planning & Leisure and Recreation – Sport and Rec, Libraries, Parks, Cultural Services.

Councillor S Foulkes thanked the Senior Manager for Corporate Finance and commented how he would have preferred to see the presentation in advance of the meeting. He requested that Members are provided with all the appropriate information in advance of the meeting.

It was moved by Councillor S Foulkes and seconded by Councillor A Leech and:

Resolved - That all information including PowerPoint presentations be provided to Members in advance of the Committee

In response to Members questions, the Senior Manager for Corporate Finance advised that there had been delays in improving Leisure Services particularly at Leasowe as a result of issues with the drainage. Members were informed that this will still go ahead and will be achieved but not as originally planned. The Interim Director Highways & Streetscene then informed Members that he would respond by email to a question raised about Union involvement on this issue.

In response to a further question regarding a parking meter at Arrowe Country Park that had been out of order over the summer period, Members were informed by the Interim Director for Highways & Streetscene that he would investigate and report back.

The Interim Director for Highways & Streetscene also advised that he would report back on progress towards improving facilities at Woodchurch Leisure Centre.

Resolved –

(1)  That members note the report and appendices; and

(2)  that all information including PowerPoint presentations be provided to Members in advance of the meeting.