To receive the notes of the last meeting.
Minutes:
Documents:
· Notes of the last meeting held on 26 February 2021
Discussion
· An issue was raised regarding a perception that one school with an unlicensed deficit was being treated differently to other schools in a similar position. The Head of Finance reported that the decision to withdraw delegation was not taken lightly and that each school would be considered on an individual basis. In the particular instance mentioned, there had been a lack of co-operation and a refusal to take action which had led to delegation being removed. The Head of Finance also reminded the Panel that such a decision was taken by officers and was not a political decision.
· School outturn figures should be reported to Finance Panel. However, there was concern that this may lead to a duplication of work. The Chair of the Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee invited two Members of the Finance Panel to attend his Committee when school outturn figures were scrutinized. Scrutiny Committees have the ability to consider issues in greater detail than the Panel.
· It was noted that schools were subject to a programme of regular audits but that if concerns were raised, an additional audit could be arranged.
· The Chair had written to the Powys Directors of HOWPS regarding inter company charges. Whilst this is an internal matter for Kier and HOWPS, the Head of Finance was able to give assurance that charges were in line with contractual arrangements and expectations. Members expressed concern regarding the clarity of trading with HOWPS and sought further information. Contract details had been requested previously but nothing had been forthcoming. Information on the contract was required or the reasons for it not being provided explained. It was further noted that the Economy, Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee had a separate working group to consider HOWPS.
· The Panel had previously asked why HRA reserves had not been used – this was due to some projects being delayed. The report under consideration at this meeting showed the reprofiling of larger projects.
· Potential schemes for Registered Social Landlords had been reprofiled to 2022/23/24 and the Panel had questioned why this had not been reprofiled for 2021. There had been no interest to date to progress this type of scheme, if this changed it would be possible to reprofile this provision into earlier years if necessary.
· The style of reporting was to be reviewed for the new financial year
· The Chair had been in discussion with Audit Wales regarding benchmarking. He invited Members to consider this as a means of improving oversight of the revenue budget and to contact him with their thoughts. The Head of Finance informed the Panel that Audit Wales were gathering information from all Welsh Authorities in relation to financial sustainability and that this information could be used to build appropriate benchmarking.
· A query was raised regarding the sustainability of some services in light of ongoing cost reductions. The Integrated Business Plan should make this kind of assessment regarding what is the minimum budget required and the outcomes deliverable at that level. Scrutiny Committees may be the most appropriate forum for consideration of that level of service detail.
Outcomes:
· Noted
Supporting documents: