Contact: Bevis Ingram, ext 7508

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

i) That the final accounts for the Recreation and Heritage Service be approved.

ii) That the Cabinet be requested to approve

(a) the carry forward of overspendings amounting to a net £370,000 as set out in paragraphs 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7.

(b) the net overspending relating to foot and mouth £223,000 be written off.

(c) the carry forward of the following capital scheme to start in 2002/03:

Fairfields Art Centre grant (£8,000)

iii) That the departmental assurance statement as set out in Appendix 8 be approved.

2 Reasons

2.1 Financial regulations require final revenue and capital accounts be prepared and reported to the Cabinet. The County Council's policy is that 100% of overspendings should be carried forward into the following year's budget. However, assurances have been given that any remaining net overspend as a result of foot and mouth would be met from balances rather than carried forward.

2.2 The Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting has introduced a new requirement from 2002/03 for the inclusion in the statement of account of an internal control statement. The Chief Internal Auditor has produced an assurance statement covering the Recreation and Heritage Service which needs to be accepted by the Executive Member.

3 Other options considered and rejected - not applicable

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - not applicable

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable

Approved by: (signature) Date: (date of decision)

Councillor J Waddington