Performance & Finance Working Group No 50

Date of Meeting 16th March 2017Time 10:00-12:30

Venue: Council Chamber

Working Group Attendees
Phil Palmer (PP) / Sheila Sharpe (SS)
Stuart Manning (SM)
Apologies
Ray Finney
Pauline Inett / Apologies
George & Val Potter
Pam McGowan
Council Attendees
Councillor Roger Bayliss / David Moxon (DM)
  1. Minutes from previous meeting – 15th December 2016
  • Minutes were accepted as a true record of the December meeting.
  • All actions were responded to by DM
  • Due to the number of attendees, the meeting was reduced in length to 2 ½ hours.
  1. My Rent Account
  • DM shared the on-line rent statement and payment portal which is expected to go-live from 20th March.
  • Tenants will be advised of the new on-line system via their April Rent Statements, which for those currently digitally excluded, will also include information where tenants can use computers available to the general public via libraries, council offices etc.
  • DM explained that this new channel is extending what is already available and will not be used to ‘justify’ reducing choice for our tenants.
  1. Rent Collection Procedures
  • The meeting was joined by Andrew Wallace – Principle Housing Management Team leader.
  • AW explained that rent arrears as a % of rental income has dropped from over 5% to 1.69% over the past few years and currently in monetary terms is £303,000.
  • AW also explained that the above value includes those temporarily in arrears due to the DD collection schedule not covering the account with a credit figure across the entire period.
  • DM explained that over the past 2 years DD collections have moved from 2 per month to offering any day collections (28 per month) as well as weekly on a Friday. Offering this amount of flexibility will have a further positive impact on the level and value of current arrears.
  • AW emphasised that although evictions for 2015/16 were high, the principle remains that as an authority we would rather see the money being paid than families losing their homes.
  • Court costs have also increased substantially over the past 2 years further reinforcing the view that legal action is not preferred although we won’t shy away if court proceedings are necessary.
  1. Draft 2017/18 Budget Consultation
  • DM took the group through the report considered and agreed by Cabinet and full Council in February.
  • The investments and savings were discussed, with focus given to the 10% reduction in gas prices and the lower than forecast increase in premiums for tenants home contents insurance.
  1. p10 Finance Clinic Summary
  • Currently ahead of our budgeted surplus position for 2016/17 due in part to the better than expected performance in rent income collection.
  • DM discussed the financial performance of each department and took the group through the approach for requesting Earmarked Reserves, based on spending Year 1 savings in Year 2, subject to stringent scrutiny by the Section 151 Officer.
  • DM confirmed that agency staff are interviewed subject to appointment into post and only those meeting or exceeding strict criteria are appointed. Whilst hourly pay might be higher, the Council benefits from not paying National Insurance, Sick Pay, Pension or Holiday Pay.
  1. AOB
  • There was none
  1. Actions (all DM with exception of those named)
  • Has there been an increase in the demand for larger bedroomed properties?
  • Provide details on the recent external works conducted at 18 Thomas Road, Kegworth
  • DM to provide further details on 16/17 EMR’s at June meeting