Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the R.F.O concerning the financial position of items under the remit of this Committee.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) detailing income and expenditure for budgets which were the responsibility of the committee.

Members were informed that the end-of-year adjustments were being undertaken. It was noted that the Committee held a relatively large number of earmarked reserves within its remit, which would be reflected in the general reserves following this work.

Members welcomed, the significant reductions in the running costs of Café 1863, which resulted in a lower overall net cost for the facility. The RFO provided additional detail and rationale regarding the continued decision to not “opt to tax” Burwell Hall and clarified the accounting treatment of the Council’s properties within the relevant framework.

Overall, it was reported that the service areas within the Committee’s remit had been delivered under budget for 2025/26. This could be attributed to the setting of a prudent initial budget, alongside stronger than anticipated income streams, particularly from Café 1863. Additionally, improved accuracy in the coding of expenditure and strengthened internal processes had contributed to greater transparency in financial reporting.

Resolved:

1.       That, the report be noted and,

2.       That, the management accounts of the Halls Cemeteries & Allotments Committee for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 be approved.