The Wolverhampton Council Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2024 focused on key financial and operational matters, including the approval of the final set of transfers from reserves and provisions for the financial year 2023-2024, the performance and budget outturn for the same period, and the procurement of various contracts. The council also discussed updates to its covert investigations policy and procedures, the introduction of a public space protection order for the city centre, and the statutory food service plan for 2024.

Reserves and Provisions 2023-2024

Councillor Louise Miles presented the report on the final set of transfers from reserves and provisions for the financial year 2023-2024. The general fund balance was increased to £17 million, aligning with best practices at 5% of the council's net budget. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reserve remains at £7.3 million. The report highlighted the reliance on earmarked reserves due to national financial pressures, emphasizing the importance of careful financial management. Councillor Miles noted, Wolverhampton's finances and the use of reserves remain well managed.

Performance and Budget Outturn 2023-2024

The council reviewed the Performance and Budget Outturn 2023-2024, which showed an overspend of £1.1 million, reflecting 0.36% of the overall budget. The overspend was attributed to national pressures on adult social care, children's services, homelessness, and resident services. The overspend was managed through one-off grants and additional use of capital receipts. The HRA revenue outturn was balanced, and the capital program outturn for both the general fund and HRA was detailed in the report.

Procurement of Contracts

The council approved several IT-related procurements, including bin sensors and printing efficiencies, as part of its commitment to the Driven by Digital initiative. Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal highlighted the seasonal procurement of nine winter maintenance vehicles, emphasizing cost savings by not purchasing vehicles outright.

Updated Covert Investigations Policy and Procedures

Councillor Paula Brookfield presented updates to the council's covert investigations policy and procedures. The updates followed routine reviews by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office and the council's internal audit team. The council rarely uses justice of the peace-authorized surveillance but maintains readiness for public interest cases.

Proposed City Centre Public Space Protection Order

Councillor Obaida Ahmed proposed a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address antisocial behavior in the city centre. The PSPO includes measures such as dispersing groups causing antisocial behavior and prohibiting face coverings without reasonable cause. The proposal followed a 12-week consultation, with 83% of respondents acknowledging an issue with antisocial behavior and 73% supporting the PSPO.

Food Service Plan 2024

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal introduced the Food Service Plan 2024, emphasizing the importance of food inspections to ensure compliance with food safety laws and prevent foodborne illnesses. The plan outlines the service's aims, scope, and achievements for 2023-2024, and details the inspection frequency for the city's food premises.