Agenda item

This report presents the Council’s Operational Plan to the Panel for consideration and feedback as part of the Council’s operational planning and budget development process.

The Strategic Director for Place introduced this item to the Panel. She explained that the plan has a 2 year focus, aligned with the budget planning process, although it does reference the Council’s longer term (years 3 – 5) direction of travel.

She said that the plan was structured by Cabinet Portfolios in line with the budget structure and identifies the key changes in service delivery over 2018-19 and 2019-20 where appropriate. She added that it also outlines the individual budget proposals.

She stated that the plan contains a greater level of detail for the coming year and that the detail for the following years will continue to develop as Council policy evolves and the plan will be updated annually.

She informed them that this edition of the plan would be considered by all Policy Development and Scrutiny Panels in January 2018, having been developed on behalf of the Cabinet, and will inform the 2018/19 budget setting process.

She said that in 2015 the Council started a rigorous review of spending aimed at cutting waste and increasing efficiency. We’ve also been growing our income opportunities by investing in property, housing and the economy and capitalising on Bath’s heritage and tourism assets - activities that will become even more important in the coming years.

She stated that since 2016 we have saved £27 million primarily through re-designing services, social care efficiencies, reducing our estate, and improving our technology and capital financing arrangements. She added that this work has had minimal impact on front line services, and we continue to be regarded as a good authority by independent inspectors. In addition to the £27 million already saved to 2018, we have committed further savings of £15 million to 2020.

She spoke of the Council’s good track record of winning bids for Government grants that attract investment into the area and raise money which help to fund projects that people care about. She added that the decision to support an elected regional Mayor for the West of England and become part of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) with South Gloucestershire and Bristol Council means that we are benefiting from a share of £1 billion investment in adult skills development and transport infrastructure, including major roads and rail networks, as well as cycling and walking routes.

She addressed the key changes that the Council is proposing, explaining

the plan doesn’t intend to capture every activity that the Council carries out, but focuses on the key changes over the coming years and highlights key projects that will help achieve our vision for the future.

Councillor Barry Macrae advised a note of caution relating to Digital by Choice and the members of the public that do not regularly use IT.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien asked if the Council’s work regarding further education and employment dovetailed with that of WECA.

The Strategic Director for Place replied that the Council was working with WECA regarding the skills agenda.

Councillor Rob Appleyard asked if the pension deficit in relation to Bath Tourism Plus has been addressed.

The Strategic Director for Place replied that this was addressed when the service was brought in house.

Councillor Barry Macrae asked how the Disabled Facilities Grant was funded.

The Finance Manager replied that the funding stream had changed and that it is now supplied by the Better Care Fund from the Government and a contribution from Curo.

The Divisional Director for Community Regeneration added that this was a demand driven programme to support people to stay in their own homes.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien asked if any comment could be made on the future use of Lewis House.

The Strategic Director for Place replied that if staff numbers were to reduce it might be the case that the Council will not occupy all of the available floors on the site.

The Chairman thanked her for presenting the plan to the Panel.

The Panel RESOLVED that at this stage there were no specific areas of feedback that they would like to refer to the relevant Cabinet Member for further consideration as part of the operational planning and budget development process.