| The board’s finance sub-committee was told the force’s revenue position was such that it expected to spend £781,000 less than anticipated in 2005/06, partly due to extra cash generated by charges for the provision of “mutual aid” during the G8 summit at Gleneagles in July.
Some £240,000 of that figure was a consequence of increased interest generated on revenue balances. However, income earned in that way would normally be returned to the board’s constituent councils of Dundee City, Angus and Perth and Kinross, leaving a net underspend of £541,000.
Committee convener Councillor Colin Young said, “It’s very nice to see we are in such a stable position at this time.”
A report presented to the committee made it clear the underspend would be useful in future, stating, “The force is facing significant financial pressures in the next financial year, including implementation of a job evaluation scheme and some significant property maintenance projects.
“In addition, the force has been advised it must relocate from the Dundee city centre sub station prior to 2009 as a consequence of the demolition of Tayside House. The force will wish to consider alternative accommodation options up to this date, which may incur costs.
“As a consequence of the foregoing, the force would like to manage this projected underspend to ease financial pressures next year.”
Chief Constable John Vine said the force’s financial stewardship was “generally very pleasing”, but he cautioned that extra money would be needed in future.
He said, “Our main deployment centre in Dundee is going to be demolished and we will have to find accommodation elsewhere. There is no (surplus) accommodation here at headquarters.” |
