Issue - decisions

(a)      note the cash position that has been achieved for the General Fund and HRA to the end of Quarter 1 as detailed in Appendix 1;

(b)      note the Common Good financial performance to the end of Quarter 1 as detailed in Appendix 3;

(c)      note that the General Fund full year forecast position remains on track to achieve a full year outturn of ‘on budget’ although there are a range of financial risks that exist for the financial year. Continuing action and controls, as outlined in Appendix 2 will remain in place for the remainder of the financial year;

(d)      note that the Council maintains financial resilience with the resources available on the Council Balance Sheet, the General Fund Reserves in particular. As at 31 March 2025 the uncommitted value of those reserves was £12m, the minimum that the Council Reserves Statement recommends and as approved by the Council;

(e)      approve inclusion of the Den Burn Restoration project in the General Fund Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix 5, with funding being provided from SEPA, additional Scottish Government Capital Grant (Climate Emergency) and Bus Lane Enforcement money received, and instructs the Chief Officer – Capital to ensure the project is delivered;

(f)       note that the HRA full year forecast position, as detailed in Appendix 2, is ‘on budget’, but continues to face challenging cost pressures as outlined in Appendix 2 and the HRA Budget Report 2025/26;

(g)      note that the forecast for General Fund Capital budget has been updated to include approved in-year virements, carry forward commitments and a reprofiling exercise. General Fund and Housing Capital expenditure is currently forecast to be as per the revised profiles for 2025/26; and

(i)       that in relation to the Housing Revenue Account, the Chief Officer – Finance would circulate details relating to the lost income from voids in Quarter 1.