Directory

Access tools

News

28 Sep 99

POOLE'S ACCOUNTS 1998/99

The Borough of Poole's 1998/99 Statement of Accounts will be presented to Councillors at the Policy & Resources Committee on 29 September 1999.

The report and budget statement covers Poole's second year as a Unitary Authority, breaking down the Borough's £169 million expenditure on services for 1998/99.

Some of the main areas highlighted include:

· The creation of a £1million 'Invest to Save Fund' to support improvements to services
· An increase in school balances from £49,000 in 1997/98 to £570,000 in 1998/99 for schools to invest
· Providing bed & breakfast accommodation for homeless families cost an additional £545,000
· An additional £180,000 in waste disposal costs due to an increase in the amount of rubbish produced in Poole
· Independent homecare services, out of authority residential placements for children and special reviews of children's services cost an extra £169,000
· An extra £407,000 spent on housing repairs

Cllr Brian Clements, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, said: "In spite of considerable pressures and increased demand in some areas of the Council's services, notably, homelessness and waste disposal, we are continuing to achieve our priorities in services for people in Poole. Overall, our finances are in good order. We have achieved our financial plans and have been able to contribute to the Council's reserves which will mean further investment in services. This together with our continuing commitment to improve will ensure the community receive the best services for the best value possible."

Cllr Annette Brooke, Chairman of the Education Committee, said: "Our number one priority has been to improve funding for our schools and this has been achieved in our second year as a Unitary Authority. When we inherited Poole's 37 schools in 1997, school balances were only £17,000. In 1997-98 this increased to £49,000. We are now able to report that this has again increased to £570,000 in 1998/99. This increase is a clear indication of the benefits Unitary status has brought, helping schools to balance their budgets and plan for the future."

-m/f-
continued/...

27 September 1999


POOLE'S ACCOUNTS 1998/99

The Statement of Accounts for 1998/99 will be subject to external audit and available for public inspection from 11-29 October 1999, at the Civic Centre, Borough of Poole, Poole BH15 2RU.

For more information please contact Susan Sloman, Chief Accountant (01202) 633399.

bob jackson - tel. 01202 633105