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Contact: Charles Hungwe
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies were received from the following Members:
Councillor Parsons, substituted by Councillor Tomlinson; Councillor Falcon, substituted by Councillor Wells. |
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Declaration of Interests To receive any declarations of interest. Members are advised to consider the advice contained within the Declaration of Interest form attached at the back of this agenda. If a Member declares an interest, they should complete that form and hand it to the officer clerking the meeting and then take the prescribed course of action. Minutes: There were no declarations made at the meeting. |
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Minutes of previous meeting PDF 77 KB To approve the Minutes of the Finance, Budget & Performance Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 30 August 2018, copy attached. Minutes: Councillor Campbell proposed, Councillor Connor seconded and Members agreed the minutes as a correct record of the meeting that was held on 30 August 2018. |
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Cabinet Member Presentation - The Leader of Council The Panel to receive a presentation on “the financial and operational performance of the Ramsgate Port and Harbour.” Minutes: During the first part of his presentation, Councillor Bayford, Leader of the Council explained that the deficit affecting the Ramsgate Port and Harbour had accumulated over a number of years and across three Council Administrations. It was worth noting that the total deficit figure of £2.637 million included noncash items that included depreciation and employee pension revaluation. If the figure excluded these non-cash items the figure would go down to £1.4 million.
1. The income and expenditure statement for the Port 2017/18 there is a £500k Direct Grant/ Contribution expenditure. What is it and who were the recipients and what for?
This amount represented contribution to provisions and as set aside at year end after an assessment of outstanding claims compared to the amount that had been set aside for that expenditure item. Due to the nature of the item there was no named recipient. This amount was set aside for prudency purposes.
2. What is the breakdown of the £750k to Central Support Services?
The Panel was given a detailed breakdown of the £721k (the correct figure in the financial accounts instead of £750k). It was explained that some of the expenditure that contributed to the £721k could be treated as direct costs to the Port and Harbour and if that was done the central support cost charges would go down to £252k.
However this did not make any difference to the overall outcome.
3. We lease the Port from Crown Estates is the total of this lease £246k?
The area of the sea bed leased by Crown Estates attracted a lease charge of £246k.
4. How was the depreciation figure of £309k arrived at?
The actual depreciation was £1.052 million. This was initially worked out at £309k, which only looked at a three month period as opposed to a twelve month period which made it £1.052 million.
5. To whom was £51.7k in consultancy fees paid and for what? What procurement process was followed to engage this consultant?
This was paid to pilot consultancy to carry out market engagement, to produce business plans for interested parties, provide on-going market intelligence and to support officers as part of the negotiations with interested parties.
As part of the consultancy brief, it was hoped that this would lead to a ferry business coming to Ramsgate Port and Harbour.
Council Contract Standing Orders were followed for amounts of up to £74,999 in that three quotes were sought and full consideration was taken in assessing the preferred supplier.
6. What is the breakdown for the £200k for security?
The 2017/18 costs for security was £194k. This allows for 24/7 cover with two staff and ad hoc cover as required. This presents good value as this 52 weeks of 24/7 cover.
The Port was under Maritime Law obligation to provide cover 24/7.
7. Why are the employees superannuation contributions £55k on a salary bill of £177k?
There were adjustments due to revaluation of £35k with the other figure being the normal employer ... view the full minutes text for item 19. |
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Temporary Accommodation for Homeless Households PDF 697 KB Minutes: Bob Porter, Head of Housing and Planning introduced the report and made the following points:
In response Members made comments and asked questions as follows:
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Review the Finance Scrutiny Panel Work Programme for 2018/19 PDF 77 KB Additional documents: Minutes: Responding to a query regarding the fees and charges 2019-20 item that would be considered by Cabinet on 15 November and Council on 06 December, Tim Willis, Deputy Chief Executive agreed that the Panel could in between these two meetings, consider the item at their meeting on 20 November.
The Panel noted the report. |
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Forward Plan and Exempt Cabinet Report List for period 10 October 2018 - 31 March 2019 PDF 75 KB Additional documents: Minutes: Members agreed that at this time of the year the work of the Panel would focus mainly on the budget setting process and other than standing items on the agenda, no new projects would be considered by the Panel
Members noted the report. |