Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Binnie, Burton and Jack and Mrs. A. Clough.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

There were no members of the public and press present.

The Executive Director reminded members of the budget situation for 2004/05 prior to outlining the likely make up of the budget for 2005/06.

It was anticipated that there would be an uplift of approximately £5 million (6.8%); the Government recommendation was to allow an uplift in the region of 9%.

It was noted that the anticipated budget for 2005/06  would be slightly above the FSS for Social Services. There was a concern however that the budget allocation for Children and Families Services was below the FSS. The implications of this were referred to but there would be little resultant impact on the Action Plan arising out of the Inspection of Children’s Services.

A brief discussion took place on the Gershon budget savings situation, it being reported that their definition had yet to be finally clarified.

The Head of each Service Area reported and expanded upon each of the savings/efficiency options, giving the background to and implications of each option.

The Executive Director informed members that the budget was increasingly aligned to Council Priorities.

Members were also informed of Base Budget Reviews for Social Services which would take place during February 2005.

Members of this Scrutiny Panel expressed the view that consideration of the budget making process should start far earlier.

Resolved:- (1) That the information relating to the budget 2005/06 be received.

(2) That Cabinet be requested to increase the budget allocation for Children and  Families Services to the recommended FSS level.

(3) That Cabinet be requested to strongly consider recruitment issues to assist in lowering agency costs.

(4) That Cabinet be requested to review Home Care Charges to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

(5) That Cabinet reconsider the proposed reduction in preventative services.

(6) That the proposed withdrawal of incentive pay at Learning Disability Centres be subject to full consultation with users.

(7) That the inclusion of funding for a Domestic Violence Co-ordinator is welcomed by this Scrutiny Panel.

(8) That a report on transport provision for Social Services clients be submitted to a future meeting of this Scrutiny Panel.

(9) That, following the budget process for 2005/06, feedback be submitted to this Scrutiny Panel on the savings/efficiencies which are implemented and progress made on them.