Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Directors of Corporate Resources – Corporate Services and Culture, Communities and Business Services presenting the final accounts for 2020/21.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources  and the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services presenting the final accounts of the Harbour Authority for the financial year ending 31 March 2021.

It was noted that the Authority had ended the year with a £44,000 surplus which would be added to reserves. This amount was slightly lower than previously budgeted. 

This year a new payment method had been offered for payment of harbour dues. The new payment system had a higher fee but was more efficient and was getting in more payments. 

There was a £16,000 under spend in the staffing budget as an impact of the covid-19 pandemic. The allowance built in for a pay increase wasn’t needed.  This was the first year of income for dry docks and this was in line with anticipated costs. 

It was expected the Authority would be holding £70,000 in reserves by April 2022. There was a cap on reserves compared to the overall budget so some would need to be spent or moved elsewhere before that. Some of this may need to be allocated towards the pension gap in future. 

Chris Moody asked about the status of the life raft station. The Harbour Master reported that the facilities there had been closed during the pandemic but it was planned to bring them back. There were leasing arrangements between organisations and there was a need to be clear on who was responsible for certain duties e.g. legionella flushing.  

RESOLVED: 

i. The report, the statutory accounts and management accounts were approved by the River Hamble Harbour Board.

 ii. The board noted that as of 31 March 2021 the General Reserve has a balance of £43,829 and notes that the General Reserve balance is currently expected to exceed the maximum balance set out in the reserves policy in 2022, requiring a decision to be taken at that time on how to treat the excess. 

iii. That the Board approved the recommended changes to the 2021/22 budget.

To consider a report of the Directors of Corporate Resources – Corporate Services and Culture, Communities and Business Services presenting the final accounts for 2020/21.