Agenda item

Councillor Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources introduced the report. He explained that, despite challenges, there is a reasonable expectation that we can get this year back into balance. There are still extraordinary pressures on Children’s Services. We are addressing this in the long terms with in-house provision. Overall we are moving in the right direction.

The Executive Director updated the Panel on the external review of the Home to School Transport service and stated that there had been good feedback as well as improvements suggested. A key focus is loan taxi journeys - we are moving to an in-house model. She stated that there had also been good feedback regarding Children’s Services. We are working on demand management/sufficiency and front door early help. We are also working with colleagues in the health service with regard to payments for certain provisions.

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

Councillor Hounsell asked about the future on respite care. The Executive Director explained that there has been a pause on Newton House, we are engaged with families but currently, no change in service. The Chair informed the Panel that the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Panel would be considering respite care at their next meeting.

Councillor Simon asked about suggestions that the Council had lost the anchor tenant for Bath Quays. The Director explained that there is a floor and a half that is vacant. There had not been adequate forecasting so factors mean that the forecast position has not been achieved. The market has improved and we are encouraged.

Councillor MacFie asked about the deficit with regards to the Dedicated Schools Budget. The Cabinet Member explained that this is a safety valve (Central Government) programme which is an issue across all Councils. Councillor Simon stated that this does cost us in terms of borrowing. The Cabinet Member agreed.

Councillor Biddleston stated that the Government have underfunded in the area of SEND and asked if we are significantly oversubscribed in terms of EHCPs. The Cabinet Member stated that the rule change means that there has been a dramatic increase in EHCPs. In his view this is one of the most serious problems that central government should get hold of. We hope early intervention and support in school will help.

The Executive Director stated that she would investigate the information we have regarding empty taxis in response to a query from Councillor Biddleston.

The Cabinet Member stated that he would ask for data regarding a breakdown of charges for parking in response to a request from Councillor Blackburn.

In response to a query from Councillor Blackburn regarding the Council Tax increase and impact on people eligible for the Council Tax Support Scheme, the Cabinet Member that there will be a scaled rise. The scheme has been successful.

Councillor Simon asked about Community Support Contracts. The Executive Director stated that we are trying to give certainty to providers.

In response to a query from Councillor Simon regarding technical skill and resource to get things done (regarding the Capital underspend), the Cabinet Member explained that there had been service issues eg. Surveyors, but this had now been rectified. The Director explained that this had been an industry wide resource challenge (including fleet/equipment in the construction sector). He explained that the Capital Programme is set with contingency so the aim would never be to spend 100%.

Councillor Hodge asked if the Panel could receive feedback on Home to School Transport in 6 months (November, when we know the school intake).

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officers.