Issue - meetings

B (Copy herewith)

1.    Cabinet noted the contents of the report and noted that future reports will set out the actions being taken by Corporate Management Board to address issues arising.

2.    Cabinet noted the capital appraisals approved under delegation as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

Councillor Russell noted that one of the main areas of pressure contributing to the current forecast overspend was homelessness.  She advised that as Chair of the Scrutiny Panel on homelessness she had visited Manchester where a night shelter funded by Housing Benefit payments was providing an excellent service.  She asked how the £1.548m forecast overspend would be funded.  Councillor Eldred advised that this would be met from reserves.

The Leader stated that best practice from elsewhere was useful, and was grateful for the input of Councillor Russell to the Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Hibbert pointed out that Housing Benefit belonged to the individual person and consent would therefore be required to hand it over.

The Head of Housing and Wellbeing explained that the overspend had resulted primarily from the increased costs of temporary accommodation – due to both increasing homelessness and shortage of social rented housing – rather than costs of the night shelter.  Additionally, there were now no clients in bed and breakfast accommodation or housed outside the Borough.

Councillor Russell expressed congratulations on ensuring that no placements were currently made outside the Borough.  She also advised that Manchester had worked hard to develop an inclusive voluntary sector partnership, which was very important.

Councillor Eldred confirmed that the shortfall would be funded from reserves.  The draft budget for2019/20 would include £583,000 growth bid for housing options schemes.

Councillor Hallam clarified that item 3.3.4 was not due to an Environmental Services overspend and was not an additional charge over what had been agreed in the tender.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the contents of the report be noted and that future reports will set out the actions being taken by Corporate Management Board to address issues arising.

2.    That the capital appraisals approved under delegation as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be noted.