Loading
The Panel considered the council's final 2025/26 financial results: the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), capital spending and revenue spending. The HRA ran a deficit of £1.454m, mainly because of higher repair costs, and capital spending was £47.745m below budget, with the unspent money carried into 2026/27. Revenue spending was £12.99m over budget, mainly because of a rise in the equal pay provision, and the Panel agreed to hold a closed session on equal pay at a later date.
There were no disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests.
None.
No public questions were received.
The Leader and Ben Smith attended to present the three outturn reports and answer questions. • The Panel were informed that maintenance costs, including inflationary pressures, regulatory requirements and the increasing demands associated with maintaining and improving housing stock are ongoing, but that the budget for repairs has been increased to better reflect this. • The Panel heard that housing officers had advised that turnaround times for void properties are improving and void costs continue to be monitored as part of the wider HRA budget setting process. • The review of the repairs service identified opportunities to strengthen operational performance and financial data. A number of recommendations have already been implemented, and progress will continue to be reported through established arrangements. • A separate letter will be written to the Cabinet Member for Transformation to cover several operational housing matters.
Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings
• The Panel noted that project reprofiling is intended to provide a more accurate assessment of project delivery timescales and expenditure. • Project slippage was discussed and whilst some slippage may create financial risks, it can also provide opportunities to delay borrowing requirements and allow the Council to benefit from investment returns on unspent balances. • More information was given on the role of the Capital Oversight Board. • Risks associated with the current interest rates environment were discussed and the Panel welcomed the prudent treasury management approach including the use of available reserves to defer borrowing where appropriate and flexibility regarding timing and duration of any future borrowing. • Assurance was provided that the investment in the St Helens development is intended to support the wider development of community sporting facilities and the International Sports Science Park, with benefits extending beyond any individual organisation.
• The current level of general reserves was discussed and the Panel noted the advice that whilst overall reserves remain strong, general reserves are now below the level previously identified as appropriate for a council of Swansea's size. • Members acknowledged that cost of living pressures may be affecting residents' ability to pay Council Tax. Alongside changes to collection arrangements and assumptions used within budget setting, these were considered factors contributing to lower than expected Council Tax income. • The Panel discussed the reported achievement of 73% of planned savings proposals and heard that alternative measures had been implemented by services where savings proposals had underperformed. • During consideration of this report, the Panel agreed that matters relating to equal pay should be considered through a dedicated closed scrutiny session at a later date once discussions have progressed sufficiently.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.