Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of that part of the meeting of the Panel, which was open to the press and public, held on 4 November 2014 be confirmed and signed.

None.

Report noted.

Report noted.

Extra Care Service Kenton Court and Somerville

The Chair said following pre-decision scrutiny, Health Watch had indicated they had some comments to make on behalf of residents. They were unable to provide formal comments prior to their meeting on Wednesday. The Chair said they would have the opportunity to make representation to the Healthier Community Select Committee in future if they so wish. The Chair thanked Community Services officers for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED that the decision of the Mayor be noted.

Financial Forecasts and Treasury Mid-Year Review

The Head of Financial Services introduced the report. Councillor Mallory said he had asked at last week’s Audit Panel meeting why

the Corporate Expenditure Panel (CEP) had not been in operation earlier, and had not been fully satisfied with the answer he was given. Councillor Mallory said it was hard to believe earlier implementation would not have had a more beneficial impact.

The Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration said senior officers had realised in July that the budget pressure was not decreasing as expected, especially with the no recourse to public fund, bed and breakfast demands which were proving very challenging. The Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration said that with the responsibility of managing the budget she had previously put in place the Departmental Expenditure Panel (DEP), but senior officers realised they had to think of a new plan to address the situation, thus CEP had been established.

The Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration said the Head of Financial Services was right to say that it might not have made much difference. The CEP had now been put in place because things were not getting better and senior officers have acknowledged there has to be a fundamental culture change going forward. Councillor Mallory said he hoped CEP would continue to function for a longer term. The Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration said she would not expect CEP to be a long term strategy, as it would lose its impact, therefore it might only last till the end of this financial year.

The Chair asked if the Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration could assure Panel members that the pressures would now come down. The Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration said that senior officers would re-examine the budget, and Select Committees would be able to see an updated version, and make comments before the report went back to Mayor and Cabinet in February. She added that although the pressure was easing, the Council still have a lot to do, and budget holders would need to be vigilant.

The Chair asked whether the Council had received legal confirmation following the proposal to transfer commercial asset and garages from the HRA to the General Fund in 2015/16. The Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration said they have not, and that it was not part of this year’s savings. She added that Panel members would be updated on progress.

Councillor Dacres raised concerns about the School Transport budget which was overspent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

No Item was requested for discussion.

Councillor Muldoon said he had asked for an all members briefing on Adult Social Care since the last election, and noted that it would be taking place on 12 January 2015. Councillor Mallory reported that last night’s meeting on sexual exploitation of children was very interesting.

Councillor Dacres said members would need an update in January  on Asset Management following the last presentation. She said it would be interesting to know how things were progressing. The Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration said she has seen a demonstration, and although the system was not yet completed it currently looked good. She said an update would be going to Sustainable Development Select Committee soon. The Chair said it would be good for Sustainable Development Select Committee to add this item to their work programme.

Meeting ended 8:00pm