Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr Peredur Jenkins
Decision:
Resolved to:
- Accept the report on the second quarter review of the Revenue Budget (position as at 30 September 2017) and ask the Cabinet Members and the relevant heads of department to take the appropriate steps regarding matters under their leadership/management.
- With the approval of the Head of Environment Department, to transfer (£282k) from the Environment Department to the Financial Strategy Reserve.
- With the approval of the Head of Corporate Support Department, to transfer (£54k) from the Corporate Support Department to the Financial Strategy Reserve.
- That (£200k) from the favourable Council Tax receipts, (£800k) from the underspend on Council Tax Reduction, (£406k) savings realised early, (£444k) one-off underspend on bids and (£697k) from favourable conditions on other Council budgets, is transferred to the Financial Strategy Reserve to assist with unavoidable one-off pressures on the Council’s budgets.
Minutes:
The report was submitted by Cllr. Peredur Jenkins
RESOLVED
Resolved to:
- Accept the report on the second quarter review of the Revenue Budget (position as at 30 September 2017) and ask the Cabinet Members and the relevant heads of department to take the appropriate steps regarding matters under their leadership/management.
- With the approval of the Head of Environment Department, transfer (£282k) from the Environment Department to the Financial Strategy Reserve.
- With the approval of the Head of Corporate Support Department, transfer (£54k) from the Corporate Support Department to the Financial Strategy Reserve.
-
That (£200k) from the favourable Council Tax
receipts, (£800k) from the underspend on Council Tax Reduction, (£406k) savings
realised early, (£444k) one-off underspend on bids and (£697k) from favourable conditions
on other Council budgets, and transfer it to the Financial Strategy Reserve to
assist with unavoidable one-off pressures on the Council’s budgets.
DISCUSSION
Submitted - a report noting that it was the Cabinet’s responsibility to take action, as necessary, in order to secure appropriate control over the Council’s budgets. Specific attention was drawn to the departments that were overspending and the relevant Cabinet Members explained the overspend.
Adults, Health and Well-being Department
It was explained that overspend within the department was just over £200k, which was a small percentage of the budget overall although this did not justify the overspend. It was noted that it the savings element were deducted from the overspend that the message was a positive one, however the department continues to work on repackaging the savings plan.
When looking at the Provider Service it was noted that some residential homes spent much more than their budgets. It was acknowledged that there were weaknesses within the Provider Service but that a report had been commissioned that would scrutinise the department to see where adjustments could be made. It was hoped that a report would be submitted in February to provide a better picture of the service. It was emphasised clearly that work needed to be done.
Children and Supporting Families Department
It was expressed that the department acknowledged that it was overspending but could not promise that the overspend would decrease in the short term. Two services were overspending, the Operational Services and the Placements Service.
It was noted that there was an increase in the demand for services and additionally the needs of children were much more severe than they were years ago. It was expressed that internal scrutiny arrangements were in place and they were looking at the services every six weeks. There were plans in the pipeline such as the Children and Supporting Families Strategy. As a result of these plans it was hoped there would be long term changes. The plans would be monitored more often.
Education Department
The main reason behind the Education Department's overspend was transport, and this as a consequence of a reduction in the sale of post-16 transport passes and school taxi transport. When looking at taxi transport it was noted there had been an increase in the demand for various reasons such as children moving into the area and needed to attend the Language Units and children with severe disabilities. Currently, it was not possible for the department to anticipate the number of children moving to the area and was therefore unable to anticipate he costs. It was noted that there was a strict mediation system in place, but a further report was needed to look at the matter.
Highways and Municipal Department
It was noted that there were various reasons for the overspend. It was explained that work had been done for the Highways Agency, but that a reduction in the rate of completing the work and it being internalised by the Agency had caused a reduction in income. The department hoped that it would be possible to carry out more work for the Agency in order to increase the income level.
To ensure that the level of overspend would be reduced, the department would revise and possibly delay road resurfacing work. Additionally, the price of plastic and metals was increasing and consequently this all could mean that the Waste Department's income level would increase.
Observations arising from the discussion
- In discussing the Children and Supporting Families Department it was noted that Children's services' budgets across the north were under pressure. It was expressed that this was a field where collaboration could be possible. There was a need to keep an eye on how much other counties were spending per child to ensure that Gwynedd provided the same level of service as other counties. It was added that this was a national problem and the fact that the children's needs were much more sever compared with other years was frightening in light of so many cuts.
- In discussing the Education Department, it was noted that there was a need for a further discussion on the Environment Department to think of ways to use Council resources to reduce the overspend on transport. It was expressed that there was a need for more financial discipline and a need to see the results of the transport service review during quarter 3.
- It was noted that although some departments were overspending it must be clearly noted that some departments were underspending and that their underspend would be added to the Financial Strategy Fund. It was expressed that there was a need to continue to commit to financial discipline and that discussions were ongoing on future savings.
Awdur:Dafydd Edwards
Supporting documents: