Issue - meetings

To inform Cabinet of the income and expenditure (known as “Outturn”) for the Council for 2022/23 and reasons for variations. To also inform Cabinet of the final settlement of the Council’s A14 contribution to the Department for Transport.

Members considered the Council Revenue and Capital Outturn Report 2022/23 presented by Councillor Boden.

Councillor Mrs French said that Councillor Boden and officers involved in the work on the A14 contribution should be congratulated, it is a fantastic saving for the Council.

Councillor Tierney said it is easy to get lost in the detail of financial reports such as this, but it is important to highlight that something extraordinary is occurring at Fenland District Council. Many other local authorities are increasing their council tax in the belief that something catastrophic will happen if they do not, but this council is doing something different in not doing what is easy, but is showing good political leadership and clear direction, and with strong teamwork officers are providing great services at affordable prices without the idea that council tax must keep going up. Councillor Boden agreed, saying that the work of officers is crucial, and Fenland is the only principal council in England and Wales to have a lower council tax now than six years ago. 

Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Hoy and AGREED that:

(i)           The Outturn for the Council’s General Fund services in 2022/23, as detailed at Appendix A and Section 2 of the report be noted and that Members note the transfer of the underspend to the Budget Equalisation Reserve;

(ii)          The reasons for the variations from revised estimate be noted;

(iii)        The current position on the Cambridgeshire Horizons Reserve, as detailed in Section 3 of the report be noted;

(iv)        The payment and funding of the A14 contribution, as detailed in Section 4 of this report be noted;

(v)          The proposed Capital Funding schedule for 2022/23 at Appendix B(i) be approved.