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 welcomed that the net expenditure for budget cost centres under the Committees remit stood at 18.4% for the 1^st Quarter.

The RFO welcomed and answered questions that had been forwarded ahead of the meeting relating to the public halls’ income and profit margins. Members heard that the Corn Exchange prioritised the use of local suppliers over those that provided the largest possible profit margin, it also worked with private hirers ahead of their events in order to promote the Corn Exchange services and enhance sales, however should the Council wish Officers to work to set margins then this could be considered and built into the ongoing Public Halls Business Plan.

A Member had also raised a question relating to the Councils registration for Value Added Tax (VAT), to which the RFO confirmed that the Council had been correctly registered since 1974.

In relation to the RFO’s request for budget considerations it was felt by Members that focus should turn to the Burwell Hall which in their view lacked in facilities and overall presentation, it was considered that with some improvements it could be made more attractive for use by the football clubs at weekends as well as other potential private hirers. It was suggested that Officers survey users on their current needs and identify gaps in the Council current provision.

Later in the meeting two additional budget proposals arose, £15,660 for the new ashes section at Windrush Cemetery and £2,000 towards improvements to the hearing loop system in Corn Exchange.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report be noted along with the responses to Members questions and,

2.      That, the management accounts of the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee for the period 1 April to 30 June 2025 be approved.

3.      That, consideration also be given to the inclusion in the budget for the improvements to the Corn Exchange hearing loop (£2,000) and for the new ashes section (£15,660).