Agenda item

The Committee gave consideration to the recently published Mayors draft budget proposals 2018/19 to 2020/21.  It was noted that this was the start of consultation prior to the details being considered by Council on 21^st December.

The following areas were addressed:

Local Government Pay Officer – There was a potential additional cost based on recent pay offer, which was subject to consultation.  It was noted that the increase to the pay bill would be over £6.2m but it was noted that the additional cost would be manageable from a mixture of New Homes Bonus additional funding and other funding.  It was noted that the 2% pay increase over the next two years was currently out to consultation with unions.

Pension Position – It was noted that following a long running deficit and repayment schedule the position with South Yorkshire Pensions was now in a surplus position with protections in place to ensure no further deficit. 

          Brexit Impact Assessment – Members expressed concern and enquired as to what impact assessments were being undertaken, particularly relating to issues including the possible loss of care staff tha were currently employed from throughout Europe.  The Committee noted that the Strategic Policy Unit was tracking the position but until there were more concrete proposals it was difficult to plan.  It was stressed that the current position with regard to Brexit negotiations could deter businesses from taking opportunities, again due to uncertainty.

          Scrutiny priorities for further consideration – Members requested that they wished to be made aware of, from the finance and performance information, any clawback risks.  In addition, Members also stated there were three areas of concern, within the budget that they believed required further consideration by the Committee on 18^th January, 2018 as follows:-

i.                 Children’s Trust – wished to address it’s budget proposals and action plan;

ii.                Adult Social Care – It was noted that specifically, Commissioning required addressing.  However, it was noted that it was hard to remove resources from the wrong areas and transfer it into the right areas without a more effective mechanism being established.  For example, a care facility could not be closed if people were still coming through the front door and not remaining in their own homes.  It was stressed that his issues required careful monitoring.

iii.              Regeneration and Environment – general overspend.

The Committee recognised the resources available to local government were now at the thin edge of the wedge meaning delivery of services was much more difficult.

Grants to 3^rd Sector Organisations – It was confirmed that the details showed grants for 2018/19.  Members expressed concern that the grants did not detail how they were spent and wished to see conditions set for outcomes from these organisations.  It was explained to the Committee that contracted services were not individually identified and listed in the budget papers.

Additional Resources – Members recognised that resources were tight and that the Council could not continue to do everything it already undertakes and realised that as the Council moved forward and transformed a debate was required about resource prioritisation.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The discussion be noted;  and

2.     Directors be invited to address the following areas at the Committee on 18^th January, 2018:

(a)  Children’s Trust;

(b)  Adult Social Care – Commissioning;  and

(c)  Regeneration and Environment – general overspend.