The Cabinet of Southend-on-Sea Council met on Monday, 24 June 2024, to discuss various financial and policy matters. Key decisions were made regarding the council's financial management, housing pipeline, waste management, children's social care, and licensing policies.

Financial Management and Budget Overspend

The Cabinet reviewed the Provisional Revenue and Capital Outturn for 2023/24. Despite an overall deficit of £1.89 million, it was noted that this was significantly lower than the initially projected £14-15 million. The overspend in services amounted to £10 million, which was mitigated by effective financial management and investment returns. The deficit will be covered by earmarked reserves for children's services and the transitional reserve.

Housing Pipeline

Councillor Jones highlighted the importance of the housing pipeline and assured that detailed plans would be presented in the next Cabinet cycle. The focus will be on pipeline and acquisitions to address housing needs.

Waste Management and Tree Maintenance

Councillor Hyde reported on the reduction of overspend in waste management due to performance payments. The Cabinet also discussed the importance of maintaining the tree maintenance budget, which had been a point of contention with the previous administration.

Children's Social Care

Councillor Burton discussed the ongoing pressures in children's social care, particularly the high costs of placements for children with challenging needs. Efforts are being made to step down expensive placements and increase the use of in-house foster carers.

Licensing Policies

The Cabinet approved the commencement of a statutory public consultation on the Draft Licensing Policy 2025. The updated policy includes stronger guidance on control measures, waste minimisation, and child safeguarding. Councillor Martin Terry emphasized the importance of community safety measures, including the Ask Angela campaign for individuals feeling unsafe in licensed premises.

Gambling Policy

A similar consultation process was approved for the Gambling Licensing Policy Statement 2025. The policy will be reviewed to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, despite ongoing national consultations on the Gambling Act 2005.

Debt Management

The Cabinet reviewed the Corporate Debt Management Position as of 31 March 2024. The report highlighted strong performance in the collection of council tax and business rates, with collection rates of 97.6% and 98.9%, respectively. The Director of Financial Services will oversee the integration of services to improve debt management further.

Treasury Management

The Annual Treasury Management Report was presented, noting that £6.319 million of interest and income distributions were earned during the period, with no new borrowing undertaken. The report emphasized the importance of managing investments and borrowing to maintain financial stability.

The meeting concluded with the approval of all recommendations and a commitment to continue monitoring and improving the council's financial and operational performance.