Chief Executive Officer Tom Horwood has given his first quarter report to the councouncil’s view & Scrutiny Committee.
He said at this early stage of the year, we forecast a small (3%) adverse variance on revenue, which needs to be brought back on track.
While the variance was modest at this stage, the management team was concerned about the state of the UK economy and its implications for Waveerley:
i.e. lower income, higher costs, increasing demand for our services from those who find themselves in hardship and delays from supply chain disruption.
He said he would continue to plan for all scenarios and report risks.
Highlights of the last quarter included: –
- We are supporting more than 400 Ukrainian guests and 200 sponsor families.
- The Local Authority Treescapes Fund received a grant to plant 7,200 new trees.
- We are agreed on the core document that forms the basis of the collaboration with Guildford Borough Council.
- Implemented the new Council Tax energy payment scheme.
- Announced a reduction of 75% in the use of glyphosate pesticides.
- Supported No Mow May.
- It opened new bike shelters in council-owned car parks.
- Supported residents to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
- Elected Cllr John Ward as new Mayor.
- Expressed disappointment at the SecState’sof State’s decision to allow oil and gas exploration at Loxley Well and considered how to challenge this.
- Launched a re-design planning pre-application advice service and improved planning applications performance.
Looking ahead, the risks and issues we are considering include: – the economic downturn and its impact on residents and the council. Difficulties recruiting across a range of professions – the uncertainty of government policy with new national political leadership.
Preparations for the polling district review, implementation of the boundary review and the 2023 elections – the next stage of the collaboration with Guildford Borough Council, with the creation of the Joint Management Team in October.
“I am grateful to so many colleagues who continue to work hard to deliver good local public services.”
Tom Horwood – Chief Executive