The Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 24 August 2026 to review the council's treasury management activities and sundry debt position for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The committee also discussed the performance management framework for the same period and noted the council's work programme.

Treasury Management Report Quarter 1 2026/27

The committee received an update on the council's treasury management activities for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. Ashley Wilson, Head of Finance, presented the report, detailing the council's debt levels, which stood at £52,062,263 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and £30,681,416 for the General Fund. The report highlighted an economic background where interest rates had risen considerably since 2021-22, with forecasts indicating they would not decrease in the short term.

Councillor P Williams suggested adding a dotted line to the interest rate graph in future reports to visually represent the projection of rates remaining stable. Ashley Wilson confirmed that the council has long-term debt, with some HRA debt extending to 2042 and General Fund debt to 2051. The committee noted the report, with Councillor DT Glenville and Councillor P Williams proposing and seconding the motion.

Sundry Debts 2026/27 Quarter 1

The committee reviewed the council's sundry debt position as of 30 June 2026. Ashley Wilson reported that the total sundry debt was £3,198,173. The Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for debt over 90 days, which has a target of 25% or less, stood at 33.22% after amendments for homelessness, instalment plans, and disputed items. The report noted that a significant portion of the debt over 90 days was attributed to Other LA (other local authorities) and Estates, with delays in purchase order references and high query levels contributing to the increase.

Councillor P Williams raised a point about the discrepancy in the number of invoices over 90 days, noting that the reported increase from 1,108 to 1,152 indicated a rise, not a decrease as stated. Ashley Wilson acknowledged this potential error and committed to checking it. The committee also discussed the £1.5 million in dispute, with a commitment to investigate the average time debts remain in dispute. The recommendation to note the current aged debt position for sundry debts was agreed, with Councillor DT Glenville and Councillor BE Sutton proposing and seconding.

Performance Management Framework 2026/27 - Quarter 1

Sharon Stacey presented the performance dashboard for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The new dashboard format was well-received by councillors. Out of 52 quarterly indicators, 23 were on target, 14 were within 15% of target (amber), and 15 were more than 15% outside target (red). Corporate service improvement plans showed 16 out of 17 actions on track.

Councillor BE Sutton praised the dashboard for its clarity and ease of use. Councillor P Williams also commended the new format, suggesting a comparison with all previous quarters for a broader perspective. Concerns were raised about performance indicators related to housing, particularly homelessness, rents, and arrears. Sharon Stacey explained that many of these challenges are national issues, including a lack of accommodation and changes in the private rented sector. She also mentioned that a new national plan to end homelessness is being developed, requiring local authorities to create action plans.

The committee discussed the issue of staff sickness, with working days lost at nearly 13 days per annum. It was noted that sickness is monitored closely, with an attendance management framework in place, and that many cases relate to stress and issues outside of work.

Regarding the utilization of council workstations, Councillor P Williams sought clarification that the target was not intended to encourage more people to work from home by reducing desk space. It was confirmed that the target is based on bookings and aims to improve the booking system's accuracy, not to reduce available workspace. The committee noted the report, with Councillor P Williams and Councillor BE Sutton proposing and seconding.

Finance & Performance Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed the Finance & Performance Scrutiny work programme up to February 2028. No comments or suggestions for alternative topics were raised by members, and the report was noted.