Issue - meetings

(a)       That the committee notes the corporate cost pressures and main areas of income and expenditure under review for 2017/18 and supports the proposals;

(b)       That the committee notes the Corporate Services Portfolio Business Plan cost pressures and proposed efficiencies and supports the proposals; and

(c)       That the committee accepts, in principle, the developing strategy for the 2017/18 budget, and the process and timelines for setting the annual budget , in its wider role of corporate financial governance.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced the update report on the financial forecast, including the budget pressures and proposed efficiencies for Social Services for 2017/18 as the third and final year of the current portfolio business planning cycle.

In providing an overview of the corporate context of the report, the Finance Manager explained that Cabinet had re-adopted the three part strategy to address the financial gap.  Work was continuing on the refresh of the Medium Term Financial Strategy in light of the revised forecast of a projected gap of £14.4m for 2017/18.  An update was also given on projections for service portfolio business planning as set out in Table 2 of the report.

The Chief Officer gave a presentation on business plan efficiencies and pressures for Social Services, covering the following:

·         Local context

·         Social Services: Comparative Analysis

·         Efficiency Statement

·         Resilience Statement

·         Social Services - Efficiencies Summary 2017/18

·         Learning Disabilities - Efficiency Targets 2017/18

·         Social Services - Summary of Cost Pressures

The Chief Officer explained that Flintshire had implemented one of the leanest Social Services structures across the region and that initial feedback from the independent review had so far validated the business plan proposals.  On the comparative analysis, there was a ‘Red’ risk status on resilience of Adult Services due to the financial support required from Welsh Government (WG) for care sector partners.  The ‘Amber’ risk rating for Children’s Services reflected the increased level of resources needed to support the service.

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to a recent education presentation given to the Heads’ Federation meeting which had helped to raise awareness of the financial challenges faced by the Council.  The Chairman stated that the Leader was continuing negotiations with the WG to put forward Flintshire’s case as a low funded authority.

Councillor Hilary McGuill pointed out the benefits of early signposting where re-ablement was no longer a viable option, for example, activities to support people with mental health issues.  The Chief Officer agreed that effective connections were needed, involving Single Point of Access teams.  He shared the concerns around the future challenges, given the expected 23% rise in the county’s older population over the next four years.  He said that the Council would do all it could to mitigate those challenges which reinforced the need for increased financial support from WG.  In relation to concerns about the changes to domiciliary support charges, the Chief Officer said that the issue would be handled sensitively with consultation taking place.  Responding to further questions, officers provided explanation on links with community hospitals across the region and discharging arrangements with hospitals outside Flintshire.  On the terminology used in the presentation, it was explained that the term ‘managing child care market’ was a term set by the WG.

On adoption and fostering, Councillor Mackie spoke about the significant increase in charges for services from independent agencies.  He felt it was important that individuals adopting or foster caring should not be seeking to gain financial profit and that the approach taken in Scotland should be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13