Agenda item

The Committee was presented with the finance and performance report, set out in a new format and providing an overview of progress in delivery of Doncaster Growing Together.

Members noted there were a couple of indicators that were showing green on the performance, when they were just slightly below the target and it was confirmed that this would be addressed. It was stressed that there was a tolerance level when measuring targets, which could automatically push, what looks like an amber percentage into the green position.

It was acknowleded that the general overspend was a concern but it had been taken into account as part of budget proposals.  Performance had improved and many targets were being met and it was noted that a number of targets were still being worked on and would be in place by quarter 3.

Brexit implications – In response to queries relating to inflation it was noted that the local authorities did not have an allowance for inflation and recognised that there had been a depreciation in pay compared to inflation.  Members discussed the issue generally with regard to Policy impact but acknowledged nationally that to date focus was mainly on the exit rather than consequences, the latter of which risks needed to be identified.  It was stressed that once there was more detail then the local authority would have more control over circumstances.

Local Spend - Member were pleased to see local spend at a good point and acknowledged that some spend had to be with national companies depending on the service or product.  With regard to the voluntary sector it was noted that services were also sourced locally.  It was stressed that in some areas there was a lack of clarity what local spend was, as it was measured by where the bill is addressed to, meaning it could be a local company but the billing office could be elsewhere in the country.

Ensuring budget targets were being met – Members sought assurances that budget targets would be challenged and if there were any large overspends and that it would be brought to the Committee’s attention.  With regards to overspends the example of children who were in an out of care was highlighted as this could have a weekly influence on budget performance.  The Committee noted that the Children’s Trust had already been programmed in the work plan to address it’s financial plan.  It was also noted that there were small variances with the Regeneration and Environment budget, for example, Academies removing school meal contracts from local authority provision.

It was explained that not every heading in the budget was challenged but there was rigorous work undertaken in many areas through Directorate Leadership Teams and with regard to the Children’s Trust, like all contracts they were monitored and if overspent challenged.

          Children’s Trust - The Committee acknowledged that the Children’s Trust would be attending the meeting in January to address it’s financial plan.  It was noted that the Authority had some influence on the Trust’s budget however, if there was any weakness/loss the Council would underwrite for the first 3 years, which from March 2018 would no longer be the case.  Members acknowledged that the Council still had contractual agreements in place with the Trust and that the Department for Education was also studying the model’s operation.  A 5 year review of the service would be undertaken in October, 2019.

          Adult Social Care – it was noted that the number of people accessing social care who were in receipt of direct payment continued to rise bringing increased choice and independence.    However, the challenges still remained in he Directorate relating to delayed transfer to care from hospital. 

          Physical activity – with regard to this key behaviour challenge.  Members were pleased to note that Doncaster has been chosen for a local delivery pilot and was looking forward to receiving its share of £100m that had been made available nationally, to address increasing the nations physical activity.

Permanent residential residents – it was explained that the number of permanent residents had increased which was a result of some short stay residents being absorbed into long stay figures due to the length of time they had spent in care primarily due to the time of year.

Direct payments - The numbers of residents who were choosing to employ their own staff was being monitored and would be provided as part of the report at the next meeting. 

Helped into work – it was noted that the percentage of people with a disability was below target and recognised that this was a long standing national issue.  Locally, it was acknowledged that Doncaster was part of the Sheffield City Region health unit trial to support people with mental health and muscular skeletal problems back into work.  It was noted that the Director was currently drafting elements of the report into learning disabilities and work was being undertaken at North Bridge on transition into work.

Doncaster Growing Together – In response to a question from the Chair the Director of People outlined that:

Caring – had very good buy in from health and care partners;

Living – good engagement with the sports, arts, culture and housing partners.  Work on complex lives was showing a very positive start;

Learning – work was ongoing with partners and moving in a positive direction with a good level of commitment;

Rate of absenteeism in schools – the poor position was noted with the local authority monitoring rather than to intervene, requiring schools to manage poor attendance.  If Schools were causing concern then warning letters would be issued with required support offered. The Committee noted that the Cabinet Member was currently developing a strategy and campaign to address the consequences for a child not accessing education, soon to be considered by Cabinet.  The troubled families programme also addressed the whole family environment, including school attendance.  The Committee acknowledged that the Attendance Policy sat within the Children and Young People Plan, approved in March, and targets had been set within the Strategy to build positive engagement with school.

Buy Doncaster – following it’s recent launch some Academies were starting to buy back services from the Local Authority.

Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) – The Committee noted that John Edwards had been appointed as the new RSC, bringing with him a wealth of understanding of local authorities to the role.  Members learnt that the bulk of the issues to be addressed by the RSC were at secondary level.  It was explained that South Yorkshire had sub regional priorities which included reducing the level of absenteeism and fixed exclusions.

Economic position – it was noted that it was a positive position relating to the number of new jobs and new companies however it was stressed there was a need to ensure residents were employed in highly skilled occupations. With regard to the number of homes built, this had increased, surpassing previous years.

The success and progress with the rail college was highlighted.

Regeneration and Environment projected overspend – it was noted that there had been a number of one-off budget issues creating pressures including transition of the waste contract and with regard to the fleet replacement it was noted there had been an underspend due to the slower vehicle replacements. 

Market Place - concern was expressed that voids in the market place had resulted in a reduction in rental income and that footfall in the market area had fallen, due to modern shopping habits.  It was noted that this issue would be considered by the Regeneration and Housing Scrutiny Panel at its meeting on 11^th January, 2018.

Assets – in response to a query relating to the sale of garage sites, it was noted that the Local Authority assets would need to reduce by half by the end of the strategic programme to create savings.  It was noted however, if there was a long term element of strong income, then the asset would remain.

Sheffield City Region – it was noted that there were currently deliberations with regard to a possible Yorkshire Devolution but funding from Sheffield City Region would remain for those projects already contracted and being delivered on.