Managing Budgets

3 Virements – Revenue

3.1 Overview

Management of services within Service Plans and Budgets requires an ability to switch resources.  Within some overall parameters Business Unit Heads have the ability to vire monies both within and between budgets.  This assists with flexibility for the Council and its Officers to manage service delivery within budgets.

3.2 Responsibility/Accountability

3.2.1 Cabinet (click here for all responsibilities for the Cabinet)

The relevant Cabinet Member is responsible for approving virement between services within a Cabinet Portfolio.  The full Cabinet must approve any virement between Cabinet Portfolios.

3.2.2 Directors (click here for all responsibilities for Directors)
Where a Director has statutory responsibility for a service

• they are responsible for approving virements between the services for which they are responsible, as long as they do not cross portfolio’s.
• they are responsible for obtaining the appropriate approvals from Cabinet
• they are accountable to the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Member and Chief Executive for complying with the policy and regulations governing virements.
• They are responsible for notifying Accountancy of all approved virements

3.2.3 Section151 Officer (click here for all responsibilities for the Section 151 Officer)

Consulting with Business Unit Heads on the maintenance and operation of the virement rules.

3.2.4 Business Unit Heads (click here for all responsibilities for Business Unit Heads)

Ensure staff adhere to the policy and regulations governing virement.

Accountable to the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Member and Chief Executive for complying with the policy and regulations.

Approving virements between services for which they are responsible.

Obtaining the necessary approvals from Cabinet.

Notifying Accountancy of all approved virements.

3.3 Policy (click here for the detailed procedures)

Virement of budgets is allowed in accordance with the regulations in Part IV.