Agenda item

The Chair outlined that whilst giving consideration to the Local Authority’s 2020-21 Quarter 1 Finance and Performance Improvement report, the Committee wished to address how effective services were being delivered within available resources and it’s confidence in the budget bearing in mind the currently complicated picture.  The areas below were therefore addressed in detail.

 

The Director of Corporate Resources outlined that it had been a very difficult  Quarter 1 due to the current Covid–19 environment.  Members noted that a significant amount of resources had been provided to support Covid related activities and with regard to performance the report was variable due to some areas maintaining services and other having to stand down for a short period.

 

Local Authority response to the long term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic – Two broad approaches were currently being undertaken, one being specific to the NHS in relation to stopping and starting services, with the requirement to submit a plan to Government about how activity would increase.  In line with this, the NHS had launched additional services for people who were or had suffered with Covid.

 

It was noted that across Team Doncaster assessments had been undertaken for example in relation to environmental and economic impacts with a Recovery Renewal Plan being developed to respond.  The four areas being focused on were Health and Care, Children and Young People and Families, All Age Mental Health and Covid specific control.  To assist, a renewal and recovery Board had been established to agree what actions were required to get the four areas “back on track”.  With regard to Scrutiny’s role, it was noted that officers were addressing how targets could be presented in future quarterly performance reports.

 

Public Health England – Government announcement to discontinue the service – In response to concern expressed about the impact this would have on Local Authority services, it was explained that no Public Health agency had remained unchanged following a pandemic and noted that it was sensible and easier to work with a single body rather than a number of organisations, as was currently the case.

 

The Committee noted that there was currently no detail of what functions would be included in the new National Institute for Health Protection, however, concern was expressed about the broader work currently undertaken by Public Health England, for example, data, health improvement and health inequalities.  It was acknowledged that to deliver on the proposals, the Local Authority would have to undertake additional duties and that would require additional resources.

 

It was noted that the Public Health Grant currently funded Public Health, however, no details were currently available for the 2021/22 period but it would be linked to the comprehensive spending review.

 

The Director of Public Health reminded Members that Doncaster had established a Covid Engagement Board, chaired by the Mayor, to address how Covid control plans were being progressed.

 

Risks of the current position – the Committee sought assurance in relation of how these were being managed, particularly the delivery of statutory functions.  It was explained over the last few months service provision could have been slightly different, depending on the nature of service.  It was noted that in relation to:

 

Children’s Services -  there had been an increase in child referrals with some packages of care creating additional costs to the service.

 

It was noted that there were three areas of pressure for the Directorate, particularly due to the demand of Covid lockdown, being:

 

·       Out of authority placements following the pressure placed on the Local Authority and  the delay in implementing the Future Placements Strategy;

 

With regard to demand, it was noted that this was increasing.

 

·       Transport – the local authority was unable to implement the travel assistance training aimed at reducing costs.

 

At the time of writing the report it was noted that Local Authorities were not aware of the national guidance for transport, but when received it was slightly better than expected. 

 

·       Pressures of children returning to school in the Autumn term.

 

Adult Services - there had been an underspend due to the threat of Covid-19, and some people had placed their packages on hold.  With regard to care homes there had been a number of hospital admittances or sadly loss of life.  However, the following areas were being actively managed:

 

·       Home care provision – a number of people paused services with work now required to re-establish their packages;

·       Covid in care homes – sadly, Doncaster like other areas nationally, had been impacted and therefore reduced the occupancy in the homes but new demand was not increasing due to Covid concerns.  It was stressed that Doncaster care homes had done a good job trying to keep occupants and staff safe.

·       Financial support to care providers that could be at significant risk.  The Government funding received, as outlined in the report would be aimed at this type of support;

·       Winter pressures in the NHS and increased demand, particularly flu and it exacerbating Covid;

·       Supported living – as Day Services were stood down this area received additional support;

·       Younger Adults – costs of provision transitioning to adulthood.

 

It was noted that the Local Authority was working alongside the NHS and under new arrangements subsidising some services due to the Covid pandemic.

 

With regard to the overall position pressures, the Local Authority reacted as required and the financial position outlined the cost of responding to Covid issues and reported the underlying position.  It was stressed that the reporting method separated recurrent and non-recurrent spend, to highlight and understand the long term and underlying issues moving into 2021/22 and beyond.

 

In connection to the long term effects on people and their carers who had reduced their care packages and become more isolated, it was noted that it was the Local Authority’s responsibility to remain in contact with their local communities.

 

Members acknowledged that there seemed to be different tiers of confidence when people were coming out of lockdown, for example some were very anxious and their isolation could increase whereas other were happy to go shopping and into cafes and pubs.

 

It was noted that the Local Authority had the flexibility to apply the three traunches of monies from Government for Covid, for example, supporting the Leisure Trust during the first 6 months of the Covid pandemic.  Each issue and costs that presented itself were investigated in relation to Covid.   Flexibility had also enabled the Local Authority to carry forward resources to manage the impact from loss of income through Council Tax and Business Rates.  These were the areas of highest vulnerability for 2021/22 as there may be an increase for example in people not able to pay their Council Tax.

 

Impacts of Brexit – in response to a query raised it was noted that the Local Authority could not detail what the implication would be at this stage.  The partnership working group ensured everyone was kept informed and whether a Trade Deal could be reached was an area that would be focused on.

 

Medium Term Financial Strategy(MTFS) – In response to a question relating to ensuring all services were sustained it was explained that whilst formulating the budget on existing policy, a number of scenarios relating to service delivery, including possible income and volatility were addressed.  A report was currently being produced for Cabinet consideration identifying medium and worse case scenarios, for example, Council Tax receipts.  It was noted that Scrutiny usually undertakes two sessions during budget development, but due to the current economic position, this may require additional sessions being undertaken by Overview and Scrutiny.

 

With regard to receipt of the pre-Covid monies from Central Government it was explained that it was flexible and could be used against loss of income, including car parking charges, non-achievement of savings and additional cost pressures.  A monthly return was required and made to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

 

Funding availability for future emergencies – It was acknowledged that any emergency, for example, flooding had a massive impact on the Local Authority’s financial position and priorities.  Due to relocating staff to assist during these events, meant some service delivery could be slightly behind for a short time.  It was explained that as part of the budget development the Local Authority was required to undertake an assessment of reserves to ensure it was adequately resourced to support any future emergency. When the 2020/21 budget was developed the Local Authority entered the year in a positive position with the General fund slightly increasing due to some underspends.

 

It was noted that the experience over the previous 6 months, with some many uncertainties, the risks and response made had been well managed and able to operate within the resources available to the Local Authority.

 

Loans that the Local Authority could access – it was explained that the Treasury Management Team regularly investigated lower interest opportunities however the Council always maximised it’s internal resources keeping a healthy balance and cash flow position, rather than taking out high risk loans.

 

A Member commented that they were pleased to learn the Council was adequately financially supported rather than what was being reported in the local press.

 

Doncaster Learning

 

Service Delivery – It was noted that during the Covid-19 lockdown period a number of services had work really well, staff had learned new skills and it questioned which areas would continue to be used, for example, virtual operations. 

 

The Committee noted that the Local Authority was, at the time of the meeting, addressing how education services were moving forward, for example children returning to school, having a focus on behaviour management and children not attending school. 

 

With regard to school transport:

 

·             South Yorkshire Passenger Transport service had been very supportive. 

·             Guidance on home to school transport had been received very late. 

·             More than 800 routes were running successfully. 

·             Some parents were uncomfortable with their children using shared transport and had therefore provided personal transport.

 

Family hubs - five remained open with support for new families.  It was noted that the virtual family hub had been established providing, story reading and sing alongs.  The hub had received 882,000 views with 1,000 parents accessing the parenting classes.

 

Work through community cells had increased during lockdown assisting the development of locality working.

 

Vulnerable children – partners and schools have worked together learning more about where children were and ensuring they were supported, for example, children who were undertaking a carers role where parents were shielding.

 

With regard to Children with Special Educational Needs, on-line education had been provided and would continue ensuring services were more accessible.

 

The Stronger families work continued during the lockdown period with a 100% return of payment by result, meaning there had been a positive impact on nearly 3,000 families.

 

Future Pressures and family vulnerability – the Panel recognised the increase in demand for support with work being undertaken through a risk dashboard to pick up issues at an early stage.  For example, a number of young people presented themselves with a mental health problem at hospital and through the Children’s Cell, a quick response was able to be provided.

 

Poverty – It was recognised that families were feeling the strain following the Furlough period and possible redundancy, which could increase the number of vulnerable families due to their change in financial circumstances.  In response this was being addressed through Team Doncaster and the Anti-Poverty Strategy Group.

 

Adult Education – It was confirm that Doncaster College was part of the team providing support during the lockdown period.  It was noted that the College was very well prepared to provide a virtual and blended offer to students including online learning platforms additional to personal guidance. 

 

The Committee was informed that the Education and Skills Strategy was due to be launched in the near future, and would include post 16 learning.  It was recognised that the Covid pandemic had helped realise that the priorities within the strategy were correct, particularly relating to future skills and enabling people to access the correct learning pathway. 

 

Doncaster Living

 

Street Scene – The Committee was reminded that following the lockdown period the green waste collections had now returned to a normal service. The team was also catching up with the grass cutting and cleansing backlog.  It was noted that staff safety had been addressed with the Unions.

 

In response to a query relating to enforcing fly tipping fines, it was explained that to make a case against offenders, portable cameras had been installed in certain locations across the borough.  The Courts were currently clearing a backlog due to the lockdown period and unfortunately a number of Doncaster’s fly tipping cases were still awaiting hearing.

 

High Street performance – It was noted that town centre footfall since June was gradually improving but had not returned to the pre-covid numbers.  This assessment had been provided by using data captured through CCTV to assess the current position.  Anecdotal information received from town centre businesses indicated that footfall was increasing.  To assist businesses, the Local Authority had submitted a financial assistance bid for assistance with Covid-safe queuing systems, hand sanitiser provision, marketing and pedestrian schemes.

 

The Committee recognised that people’s behaviours and patterns towards how they shopped had changed, for example, the increased use of on-line shopping.  However, the Local Authority would continue to make Doncaster a safe place for the community to visit and shop.

 

With regard to office use in the current pandemic situation, Members were pleased to note that positive enquiries for town centre business office accommodation were still being sought.

 

Members were informed that the Urban Centre Mater Plan would require a rethink in response to the Covid pandemic addressing how to increase footfall in the town centre and the possible increase in residential accommodation.

 

RESOLVED that the Committee:-

 

1.     Note the details contained in the Quarter 1 performance and financial information;  and

2.     Continue to monitor the Medium Term Financial Strategy.