Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report but in light of the significant overspend reported during the last budgetary review, to ask the Chief Executive, the Head of Finance Department and the Corporate Director to meet with the Cabinet Member and the Department to see which fields could be prioritised in financial terms to avoid wasteful efforts on matters with which nothing can be done.

The item was submitted by Cllr. Dilwyn Morgan

RESOLVED

To accept and note the information in the report but in light of the significant overspend reported during the last budgetary review, to ask the Chief Executive, the Head of Finance Department and the Corporate Director to meet with the Cabinet Member and the Department to see which fields could be prioritised in financial terms to avoid wasteful efforts on matters with which nothing can be done.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that he would outline the latest about the department, and the scrutiny members who had been a part of the performance challenge meetings were thanked for their contribution. It was noted that the Cabinet Member was happy with the performance of the department on the whole but that a few slippages had occurred. However, none of the slippages was a cause of concern in terms of safeguarding within the department.

Attention was drawn to the department's priorities, noting that the Supporting Families Strategy was developing more integrated services within the Council with partners. It was noted that mapping work was currently underway. It was added that the work of developing the strategy and the recent announcement from Welsh Government regarding merging their preventative grants had given the department an opportunity to reflect upon its direction. It was added that it was an extremely exciting time. It was further noted that the Council had a Well-being Support Board, which would promote cross-departmental working in the interests of the residents of Gwynedd. Also, attention was drawn to the Corporate Parenting Strategy, noting that task groups had been set up to try to identify what needed to be improved and to identify good practice. This work was very ambitious.

Attention was drawn to the 'End to End' review, which was a savings scheme and had been joint work between the Children and Supporting Families Department, Finance and the Research and Information Manager. It was noted that the review noted an increase in the number of looked-after children in each category. It was added that there had been a reduction in the number of children with Learning Disabilities / Severe Needs but that there had been an increase in the number within other categories. It was noted that work was ongoing to look at the situation.

It was noted that the information in the review highlighted that it was now difficult to anticipate what cases would come up. It was added that it was difficult to give a specific budget as care needed to be taken and respond to cases as effectively as possible. It was added that work was being done to try to improve the financial situation. It was stressed that the department was trying to be responsible and contribute to the savings targets. It was noted that the cost of residential placements was high and, therefore, the level of overspend was much higher. It was noted that discussions were being held regionally to look at the cost.

Observations arising from the discussion

-        It was noted that overspend within Children Departments was a national problem, but concerns arose as there was no light at the end of the tunnel. A question was asked about what the Government was doing about the national overspend in the field. The new Minister for Local Government wished to have an open dialogue and to improve the relationship between the Government and the Local Authorities. It was emphasised that there was a need to convey a clear picture of the situation and ensure that it was discussed nationally.

-        Despite all the analysis, it was stressed that the department remained unable to anticipate the cases which would arise within the field, and it was added that the department was not only looking within the Council but also at the situation outside the county.

-        It was noted that the National review highlighted that the service was working effectively for children, but the financial problem was one that needed to be discussed. It was added that overspend could be seen in all services within the department and it was noted that the Chief Executive, the Head of Finance Department and the Corporate Director should be asked to meet with the Cabinet Member and the Department to see which fields could be prioritised in financial terms to avoid wasteful efforts on matters with which nothing could be done.