Policy And Resources Committee - 14/03/2005

At a MEETING of the FINANCE COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 14th March 2005.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor George Regan, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 14th February 2005 was held as read.

I MINUTE OF SUPERANNUATION INVESTMENT SUB-COMMITTEE

The minute of meeting of the Superannuation Investment Sub-Committee of 23rd February 2005 a copy of which is appended hereto was submitted for information and record purposes.

II REVENUE MONITORING

There was submitted Report No 164-2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) providing the Committee with analysis of the 2004/05 Projective Revenue Outturn as at 31st January 2005 monitored against the adjusted 2004/05 Revenue Budget.

The Committee:

(i) noted that the overall General Fund 2004/05 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 31 January 2005 showed an overspend of 106,000 against the adjusted 2004/05 Revenue Budget.

(ii) noted that the Housing Revenue Account Projected Outturn was in line with the adjusted 2004/2005 Revenue Budget.

(iii) instructed the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) to take every reasonable action to ensure that the 2004/2005 Revenue expenditure was in line with the adjusted Revenue Budget.

(iv) instructed the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) in conjunction with all Chief Officers of the Council to continue to monitor the Councils 2004/2005 Projected Revenue Outturn.

III CAPITAL MONITORING

After considering Report No 154-2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) appraising members of the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Expenditure Programme for 2004/05 the Committee noted the contents of the report.

IV RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

Councillor Wallace declared a non financial interest in Forthill Squash Club by virtue of being a member of the club.

There was submitted Report No 166-2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the undernoted non-domestic properties.

The Committee approved accordingly.

V RECOVERY OF HOUSING BENEFIT OVERPAYMENTS

There was submitted Report No 177-2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) regarding the Council's policy in respect of the recovery of housing benefit overpayments.

The Committee approved the proposal set out in Paragraphs 6.4 as shown below:

"The level of deductions will increase from 1 April 2005 and then annually thereafter in line with the levels recommended by the Department of Works and Pensions with the exception of cases where the debtor is in receipt of income support or job seekers allowance. For these particular categories the level will be capped at the deduction amount that can be received when recovering Council Tax by direct deduction from these benefits and will increase in line with this amount annually."

VI ELECTED MEMBERS' TELEPHONE EXPENSES

There was submitted Agenda Note AN201-2005 relative to payment of telephone allowances to elected members under Section 69 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Committee agreed to increase the allowance to 322.

George REGAN, Convener

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