Council on track financially after improvements

The council’s year-end report shows the Council to be financially on track by a number of improvements and targets that have been achieved despite its having to make spending reductions.

The 2013/14 report shows that positive results included a total directorate saving of £486,000 which is 0.4 per cent of the budget, an increase in the level of available reserves, improvement in performance with 86 per cent of key performance indicators showing performance above target or within tolerance, and 68 per cent of indicators showing improvement on the previous year.

Capital expenditure for the year was £48.37m, and £7.99m or 14 per cent below programme spend, mostly due to re-phasing.

The year-end report also highlights positive early progress in achieving 2014/15 savings and delivering planned developments.

Coun Neil Poole, cabinet member for policy and resources, said: “I am delighted to see such improvements being made and targets being met. The council has responded in a very positive and responsible way. This is down to every penny being counted for and a lot of hard work and dedication.

“We will continue to look for efficiencies through partnership working and improving procurement methods; to buy better. As well as continuing to strive to deliver good quality services with lower costs for taxpayers. The budget for 2014/15 has been improved further and it is looking positive that even further developments can be made.”