To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Board.

An apology for was received from the Chairman and hence the Vice-chairman was in the Chair. 

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Liberal Democrat Group, the membership of the Board had been amended to include Councillor Dudley in place of Councillor Howgate.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 29 October 2019.

The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 29 October 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Vice-Chairman.

It was noted that the first quarterly progress report on the implementation of the Children’s Services Improvement Plan would be considered by the Board at its meeting scheduled to take place on 12 February 2020.

The Board considered the item in Minute 24, and not included on the agenda, the Vice-Chairman being of the opinion that it was urgent by reason of special circumstances i.e. the matter having arisen since the agenda was prepared and it was unreasonable to delay a decision until the next meeting.

Resolved:  (i)  that consideration of the items for inclusion on the Board’s 2020/2021 Work Programme be included on the agenda for the Board on 15 January 2020; and

(ii)        that the Board consider the Council’s approach to unauthorised encampments at its meeting scheduled to be held on 12 February 2020.

The Head of Finance to present the second budget monitoring report for 2019/2020 under the Authority’s agreed budget monitoring procedures which provides high-level information on capital and revenue expenditure and funding for the year compared to the position at the end of Quarter 1. 

The Cabinet Member for Finance and other members of the Cabinet to answer any of the Board’s questions.

The Board to consider making any recommendations.

The Board considered the budget monitoring report which provided a high level budget summary of the Council’s forecasted revenue and capital income and expenditure for the financial year 2019/2020.  It was based on the figures as at the end of the Quarter 2.

It was noted that the budget in relation to children’s social care remained the main source of financial pressure with a forecasted overspend of £6.3 million.

The Board asked a number of questions, in particular around the numbers of children in residential placements, the use of the Flexible Housing Grant, the level of the Comprehensive Spending Review Reserve and the current position in relation to Crossways at Paignton.

Resolved:  (i)  that a briefing note on the Flexible Housing Grant (including future demand on the grant) be provided to all members ahead of the meeting of the Cabinet scheduled to be held on 17 December 2019;  and

(ii)        that it be requested that an update on the current position in relation to Crossways, Paignton be included on the agenda for the meeting of the Council in January 2020.

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 25, Councillor Loxton declared a personal interest as the Council’s representative on the Board of the Riviera International Conference Centre.)