Purpose

The report sets out details of the
Council’s financial performance against the General Fund
revenue budget, Business Rates Retention, Council Tax, and the
Capital Programme in respect of the financial year ended 31st March
2023.

Decision

DECISIONS

 
1.   
That the financial performance for 2022/23 be accepted.
 
2.   
That the debts listed in paragraph 4.5 of the report are approved
for write-off.
 
3.   
That the “Covid Support Reserve” is redesignated as the “Contractual Losses
Support Reserve” and £445,000 of the current balance be
transferred to General Fund balances.
 
Reasons:
 
1.   
The unaudited accounts for 2022/23 were published on 31st May, with
Blaby being amongst only 30% of authorities to meet the statutory
deadline. Whilst the accounts are still subject to external audit,
it is important to give Members early sight of the outturn to
assist with the financial planning process.
 
2.   
The debts listed in paragraph 4.5 of the report are considered to
be uncollectable and the amounts involved are above the limit up to
which they may be written off by the Executive Director (Section
151) and Portfolio Holder.
 
3.   
In response to Scrutiny’s recommendations concerning the
administration’s budget proposals for 2023/24, it was agreed
that earmarked reserves would be reviewed at year end to assess
whether they are still required or adequately reflect the purpose
for which they are held.