Contact: Ejner Knudsen, ext 7403

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

i) That the final accounts for 2002/03 for the Environment services be approved.

ii) To agree that the service's overspending of £256,000 against its 2002/03 cash limit be referred to the Cabinet so that they may consider whether to meet this excess from central balances.

2 Reason(s)

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 service's overspendings should be carried forward and accommodated within the following year's budget

2.2 However, the service's overspending of £256,000 on cash limited budgets during 2002/03 was principally due to excess expenditure on the waste contract related services, reflecting the shortfall in Government support for the storage and disposal of refrigeration equipment, although this was partially offset by a number of other savings. The likelihood of excess expenditure in connection with the storage and disposal of fridges, beyond the level of Government support, had been identified in budget monitoring reports during the year, with the expectation that the Cabinet would consider the implications of any funding shortfall against the additional balances set aside in the 2002/03 budget for this and other pressures.

2.3 In view of this, it is recommended that the Cabinet consider whether they wish to meet, from central balances, the services overspending of £256,000 against its 2002/03 cash limit.

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 K B Estlin