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The Cabinet considered the council's financial forecast for 2024/25. The position at month four showed an overspend of just over £3.5 million, mainly in Children's Services. Cabinet agreed to note and approve the initial forecasts and actions, and to receive two further reports in October.
Executive Members (with Portfolios): Councillors: Anthony Hunt – Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Leadership Richard Clark – Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children, Families and Education Fiona Cross – Executive Member for Communities David Daniels – Executive Member for Adult Services and Housing Joanne Gauden – Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration Peter Jones – Executive Member for Corporate Governance and Resources Sue Morgan – Executive Member for Waste and Sustainability Mandy Owen – Executive Member for Environment Officers: Nigel Aurelius, Deputy Chief Executive Rachel Beale – Personal Assistant to Leader and Deputy Leader Niall Flack - Apprentice Democratic Services Officer Robert Green – Head of Financial Services Delyth Harries - Monitoring Officer and Assistant Chief Legal Officer Dave Leech - Strategic Director for Adults and Communities Jason Lewis - Director, Corporate Services Jason O’Brien – Strategic Director, Children and Family Services Stephen Vickers – Chief Executive Other: Neil Jones, Head of Communications, Engagement and Civil Contingencies was in the public gallery.
2.1 There were no apologies received.
3.1 There were no declarations of interest.
4.1 The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 9th July 2024 were agreed as a true and accurate record.
5.1 The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 23rd July 2024 were agreed as a true and accurate record.
6.1 The update on actions were noted.
7.1 The Deputy Chief Executive presented the report to Cabinet in detail, commenting in particular on the following: · The month four position showed an adverse position of just over £3.5 million which was more significant than most years. · Children’s Services were facing a pressure of £3.2 million which was as a result of placement numbers exceeding the budgeted level and also having to use high-cost placements. To address the situation, the service would be undertaking a review of all placements and seeking appropriate step-down arrangement where possible. · There was a workshop taking place tomorrow to look at all the factors impacting their budget and a further report would be presented to Cabinet in October which would detail a recovery plan to get the service area back on track and protect financial resilience. · Adult Services were also facing an adverse position however it was expected to achieve a balanced position by the end of the year. · Economy and Environment had an adverse variance of £29,000, which was a significantly improved position in comparison to previous years. · The Resources Directorate were also in an adverse position which was due to housing benefit costs which were not eligible for Housing Benefit Subsidy from the Department of Work and Pensions. · There were some significant concerns contained within the month four position, with the most concerning being the adverse variance within Children Services, however this will be addressed as a whole authority issue. It was important that all other services maintained financial discipline in order to mitigate the adverse position in Children’s Services. · The Council would approach the budget in a calm and measured way and work as a whole authority to address the issues. 7.2 The Leader commented that other Local Authorities in the UK were facing similar pressures in similar areas as they were demand led parts of the Council. It was important to look to address the concerns early, calmly and comprehensively and then monitor how those actions could be taken forward, which was the approach the Council was taking. The Leader welcomed the whole authority approach as it was important to work together to address challenges and get to a sensible position. He welcomed the further reports in October. 7.3 In response to a question asked, the Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that alternative mitigations had not been explored yet for proposals that were potentially non-deliverable, due to the focus being on the significant pressures within Children Services, however this matter would be discussed as part on the monitoring process. It was however important to note that the Council had a good track record of delivering all of their mitigations. 7.4 Cabinet agreed to note and approve: · The initial financial forecasts and actions outlined within the report · That a further report will be received at the October Cabinet outlining the Children’s Services recovery plan · That a further report will be received at the October Cabinet updating on the monitoring position and outlining authority wide measures.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
The minutes record no declarations of interest.
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