Issue - meetings

There will be a presentation on this item at the meeting.

David Trethewey, Director of Partnerships and Corporate Services, gave a presentation which covered the following:

Lisa Bartlett, Director – Development, was also present.

·  The Budget Challenge 2021/22 Headlines

·  The Budget proposal 2021/22 – 25/26

·  New 2021/22 budget pressures/Covid impacts

·  Strategic Financial planning themes

·  Areas of strategic priority and focus over the next two years

·  Service Achievements 2020/2021

·  Portfolio Savings Summary

·  Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services Savings Proposals

·  Community Services Savings Proposals

·  Housing, Planning and Economic Development Savings Proposals

·  Transport Savings Proposals

Panel members asked the following questions and raised the following points:

(Officer responses shown in italics)

Councillor Born stated that she was concerned about the impact on fly tipping if charging for building materials is introduced at the tip. The officer explained that benchmarking has been done and she is confident that it can work. It will be kept under review.

Councillor Bromley asked how we reduce reliance on commercial income. The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Samuel explained that this would be a gradual process. We do not get the revenue support grant anymore, the system is based on rates which has been hugely affected by the pandemic. We receive income through Heritage (Roman Baths) but the pandemic has also affected this income. We need to reduce reliance on this and get the property estate to perform.

Councillor Grant Johnson asked the following questions:

·  Where has the increase in income in the waste and fleet operation come from? The officer explained that the team operates on a commercial basis and works with neighbouring authorities. There is a lot of experience within the team. We have put forward the savings – this will be monitored.

·  How is a reduction in plant maintenance possible? The officer explained that there is always a bit of tolerance, there is experience within the team. We will review this on a regular basis.

Councillor Craig asked about the waste depot and if finding an alternative solution for the residents of Bath city centre, many of whom do not own a car, has been taken into account. The officer explained that this work is underway. Councillor Walker asked about the early morning and late evening suggestion. The officer responded that this was based on modelling – it will allow for more efficient routes if the day is lengthened. In response to a query from Councillor Walker about the effect on elderly people, the officer responded that impact assessments will be carried out.

Councillor Davies commended the Cabinet Members and officers that work on net zero has not been cut despite incredibly difficult circumstances.

Community Services (slide)

Councillor Crossley updated the panel that the Urban Gulls issues has been deferred to 2022/23. A meeting with Government will look at piloting a license.

Councillor Johnson asked if the same level of service, which is higher than neighbouring authorities, will continue regarding Parks and Bereavement. Can the level of service be maintained with a staffing reduction. The officer reassured the panel that the aim is to continue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89

The Panel will receive a presentation on this item at the meeting.

The Chief Operating Officer introduced this item to the Panel and gave a presentation, a summary of which is set out below and will be attached as an online appendix to these minutes.

Budget 2021/22 Headlines

Revenue operating cost changes

•  Council growth requirement of £19.1m, driven by:

-  Material rebasing of income budgets due to Covid

-  Funding new demand pressures, Children’s and Adults Social Care

-  Contract Inflation

•  Council Savings requirement of £8.33m across all portfolios

•  Covid risk / contingency reserve of £5m proposed

Budget funding changes

•  Reserve funding requirement of £10m, to be repaid in future years

•  Council tax increase 1.99% & Adult Social Care precept 3% proposed

New 2021/22 budget pressures / Covid impacts

Emerging MTFS pressures £15.24m

•  Commercial Estate £5m

•  Parking £4m

•  Heritage Services £4.24m

•  Other pressures £2m

Strategic Financial Planning Themes

Stabilise – Short term

•  Reduce reliance on commercial income.

Transition – Medium term

•  Reset business plans looking at new delivery models

•  Revise the Council’s operating structure

•  Maximise opportunity through IT and smarter working

Change – Long term

•  Implement new strategies for:

• Social Care delivery
• Resident focussed service delivery model

Areas of strategic priority and focus over the next two years

•  Continued investment to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.

•  Continued commitment to secure action to address the climate and ecological emergency.

•  Focus on supporting the local economy to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

•  Support the “Preparing for the Future” programme to modernise the council with a focus on improved asset management and flexible working.

Adult Social Care Growth

Adult Social Care Savings Proposals

Specialist and complex commissioning – contract and procurement review: £537,000. Strategically commission and procure a range of care and support services sufficient to meet identified needs and address gaps in B&NES and provide better value for money for people with complex and specialist needs.

Community – Review of care package delivery: £1,988,000. Review of existing packages to identify efficiencies

Public Health Savings Proposals

Services to be delivered in a different way: £153,000. Following the previous uplift to the Public Health Grant, and the securing of the Integrated Sexual Health Service into a fixed payment 5 year term, funds will be reallocated to cover Public Health services delivered elsewhere within the Council.

Reduction of Post: £112,000. Part time post removed, reduction in Senior Leadership posts to be actioned, alternative grant funding will cover the Senior Leadership requirement during the continued pandemic with the removal of the post being actioned once we are through it.

Children’s & Education Services Growth

Children’s & Education Savings Proposals

Children's Centres: £43,000. Service efficiencies, provision is maintained, delivered in an alternative way.

School Improvement: £87,000. School Improvement to be funded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66