These reports detail the Council’s finances, risk and performance as at the end of each financial quarter for 2017/18 and may include recommendations on consequential changes to the budget:

·         Q1, 30 June 2016 – report in September 2017

·         Q2, 30 September 2016 - report in December 2017

·         Q3, 31 December 2016 - report in March 2018

·         Q4, 31 March 2017- report in June 2018

The Head of Financial Services and Head of Business Improvement had submitted a report to update Members on Finance, Risk and Performance as at 30^th September 2017.

The Head of Financial Services spoke to the report which was essentially very positive, noting over achievement of the Direct Services budget; a slightly adverse variance on the Housing Revenue Account; and slight slippage in the capital programme. Neither of the last two gave cause for concern.

In relation to the missed target for the number of people using leisure centres, Councillor Smith said steps were being taken to promote the centres in a more targeted way than hitherto. Competition from ‘budget’ providers remained a significant challenge.

In relation to the target of the percentage of customers satisfied at the first point of contact, more work was needed  to assemble an accurate picture of satisfaction and reasons for dissatisfaction. Steps to improve the Council website were already being taken( eg removal of on-line forms that do not work well and the introduction of a ‘webchat’ facility).

The ambition of enabling customers to access the majority of Council services electronically was good but it was recognised that this was not practicable for all services.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

Note the projected financial outturn and current position on risk and performance as at the 30^th September 2017.