Agenda item

Report of the Chief Officers Executive

Submitted – A report (previously circulated) of the Chief Officers Executive which had been considered by Cabinet at its meeting held on 11 December 2018, in relation to the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2019-20 to 2022-23 and proposing a 2019/20 to 2022/23 capital programme for consultation.

It was reported that the delivery of the core offer which was agreed in 2016 remained extremely challenging with some significant pressures arising in children’s social care, however, through innovative financial investments and increased income from economic growth, the Council could still deliver the agreed balanced plan and extend the MTFP.  A further £0.600 million had also been identified which could be used to bolster the Futures Fund themes or be returned to reserves.

Particular reference was made to a number of risk pressures which had been identified, however, it was reported that it was not clear at this stage whether they would definitely come to fruition.  The Assistant Director Resources advised us that, given the potential impact if they did, it had been considered prudent to recognise them in the budget and, following a review of the risks, it had been recommended that a prudent level would be to include 60 per cent of the total value in the risk contingency line.

Discussion ensued on the savings which had been achieved in Adult Social Care; the current position in relation to school transport which was currently overspending and which was subject to a review with the aim of reducing the current projected overspend; the use of reserves to balance the MTFP; and the risk contingency going forward.

RESOLVED – (a)  That Members notify Officers of specific areas they would like to look at further within the MTFP and a further special meeting be arranged if necessary.

(b)  That a meeting of this Scrutiny Committee be held, prior to Cabinet on 12February, 2019, to formulate a response on behalf of all Scrutiny Committees to Cabinet on its proposals in relation to the MTFP.