Agenda item

To introduce the Quarter 1 Council Performance Report (to 30th June 2022)

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communication presented the report to Members which provided Members with the opportunity to scrutinise the council’s financial and operational performance for Quarter 1 (to 30^th June 2022)

The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services then highlighted key points throughout the report  He advised Members that the Q1 Revenue Budget position is projecting a £10.45m overspend, which was significantly higher than in previous years.  He added that the projection took intro account estimated increased for services such as Social Care Services, additional inflationary cost pressures such as home to school transport and less take up of services such as Leisure as residents continue to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and into the UK cost of living crisis.

The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services continued that Capital investment as at 30^th June 2022 is £13.842m, with a number of schemes being re-profiled during the quarter to reflect changes in costs and updated delivery timescales and also new external grant funding approvals received during quarter 1 being incorporated into the programme. The Service Director continued through the report and upon conclusion, welcomed Members questions and observations

A Member referred to the loss of staff in Community Services and asked what the reported reasons for them leaving were.  Another member also sought clarification on how replacing the staff would look given the budget savings required.

The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services advised that staff had left due to ill health and retirement, or simply had chosen to leave the organisation.  He confirmed that HR procedures are in place when a member of staff leaves which includes exit interviews so lessons can be learned. He continued that the Council are continually looking at more efficient ways of working including digital transformation and working from home procedures.  He acknowledged that this was more difficult in settings such as schools due to the numbers of teachers and the very nature of their work so generally the teachers are replaced.  He reassured Members that the Council has excellent workforce planning arrangements in place with continuous engagement with apprentices, graduates, schools and universities with a “grow our own” approach in place.  He added that where necessary, agency arrangements could also be utilised.  He acknowledged however that with the budget gap the Council do have challenges ahead, but they are engaging closely with Welsh Government, WLGA and other Local Authorities.  He continued that the finance teams are also working with each budget holder to identify any potential in year budget savings for each directorate together with a review of fees and charges

A Member noted there is a steering group which reports on the recruitment and retention of staff and asked if the Committee can receive an overview from the group on their work.    She asked how the Authority could better support care staff who were under a lot of pressure and in receipt of a low wage.

The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services agreed for an update from the Steering Group to Members.  He continued that the Authority are committed to paying a fair wage to staff and this was reflected in the Real Living Wage Policy.  Staff are also appropriately trained, supported and ensured they felt part of a team throughout their employment.

A Member raised concern at the loss of income generation and asked how the Authority are encouraging greater use of our facilities to therefore increase income in areas such as Leisure.  The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services advised that a renewed marketing campaign had been launched around Leisure facilities to increase uptake such as introductory offers and rehabilitation programmes to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.  We are seeing memberships rising, so we should see an improved position in to Quarter 2.  The economic outlook in terms of residents paying council tax, The Authority ensures we provide notice as early as possible and continue to engage with residents, particularly those that experience hardship and ensure they are aware of support services available to them. It was also hoped that the Cost of Living payments and the Local Cost of Living payments authorised by Cabinet to support families with school age children in RCT to support them through the winter period.

A Member referred to the accommodation needs in the Borough and was concerned that the homelessness figures doubled.  He asked if the Committee could receive some further information in this area.  

The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services advised that Accommodation for most vulnerable is included in the Strategic Risk Register.  A Cross council and strategic approach is adopted and work is currently ongoing with external partners to look at the pressures on the service.  He advised that further updates will come through as individual action plan.  The Service Director Democratic Services and Communication advised that this matter would be referred to the Communities Committee

A Member asked if there was a more detailed Strategic Risk Register in place that is regularly scrutinised.  The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services confirmed that there is one in place which is reported to the Governance and Audit Committee.

The Chair referred to underspend in ALN service and asked what impact this has on the service.  The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services advised that the current underspend is as a result of the ALN Act 2018 which came in to being in September 2021, following this, the Education Directorate undertook a review of the resource requirements which resulted in a restructure and additional posts created.  Some difficulties have been experienced in recruiting to all posts so work is currently ongoing and the positions will be recruited throughout the year.

A member referred to the sickness absence and turnover of staff and asked what impact this has on our Communities and if there is there anything else members should be aware of. 

The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services responded that one of the knock on effects of the Councils Revenue Budget position is the need to undertake staff cover arrangements which include overtime, casual staff and agency members of staff.  He added that whilst putting these measures in place does put financial pressure on the Council, it does ensure frontline services don’t see a dilution or deterioration of service. 

A Member referred to earlier comments around the Council “growing our own” employees and appreciated the need to create the culture of learning but asked if we in turn run the risk of looking through the one lense and missing out on opportunities if we are only looking inwards. 

The Service Director Finance and Improvement Services advised that this is something that the Recruitment and Retention Steering Group can provide further information to Members on which can include internally, what benchmarking is undertaken and what learning and Development opportunities are available to colleagues.  

Following conclusion of Members questions the Chairperson thanked the Service Director for his report and clarifications to Members.  She added that she would like to see further updates and reports to Committee in addition to the earlier mentioned further information requested such as the work of the Recruitment and Retention Steering Group and the Homelessness and Accommodation in the Borough to the Community Scrutiny Committee

RESOLVED:

1.    Members scrutinised the Council’s financial and operational performance position as at 30th June 2022 (Quarter 1). 

2.    Considered matters contained in the report in line with the Terms of Reference of the Committee to be scrutinised in greater depth