Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee endorses the Social Services efficiency proposals for 2020/21; and

(b)       That the Committee endorses the Social Services cost pressures recommended for inclusion in the budget for 2020/21 

The Finance Manager Strategy Accounting and Systems, introduced a report to provide the latest budget position for 2020/21 and any specific proposals for the Portfolio.  She advised that the report sets out the current financial forecast and the projected ‘gap’ in the Council’s budget funding requirement for 2020/21.  The full gap ahead of the budget solutions outlined in the report, and ahead of the Welsh Government Budget for 2020/21, stands at £16.2m.  A summary of the forecast and the changes to the forecast position previously reported was set out in the report.

The Finance Manager Strategy Accounting and Systems continued that the report provided an update on the national position and the Council’s strategy to achieve a safe and balanced budget for 2020/21.  The Welsh Government (WG) required a much-improved funding Settlement, and Flintshire was dependent on a significant uplift in its annual Revenue Support Grant (RSG) contribution if it was to be in a position to set a safe and legal balanced budget.  The report presented all of the proposed budget efficiencies and the costs pressures to be included in the budget for 2020/21.  The report highlighted the specific efficiencies and cost pressures for Social Services for consideration by the Committee as part of its portfolio responsibilities.  This was an interim budget closure report pending the completion of ongoing work on corporate finance options and resolution of the WG budget.

The Finance Manager Strategy Accounting and Systems referred to the main considerations, as detailed in the report, and drew specific attention to the information provided on Social Care pressures and Social Care efficiencies. 

The Cabinet Member for Finance expressed thanks to the Corporate Finance Manager and his Team for their work and comprehensive update ahead of the WG Budget for 2020/21.

Referring to Social Care pressures Members raised questions around the cost of out-of-county placements.  Councillor Gladys Healey asked what financial contributions were received from the Health Board.  The Senior Manager – Children and Workforce, explained that detailed monitoring was carried out on the financial contributions received from the Health Board.

In response to a question from Councillor Andy Dunbobbin regarding the split budget between Social Services and Education Services for out-of-county placements, it was confirmed as £1.860 million Social Services, £638,000 Education Services.

Councillor Carol Ellis emphasised the need to highlight the out-of-county placements pressure as an area of great concern.  The Finance Manager Strategy Accounting and Systems confirmed that the out-of-county placements budget position was monitored on a monthly basis by the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Andy Dunbobbin and seconded by Councillor David Wisinger. 

RESOLVED: 

(a)       That the Committee endorses the Social Services efficiency proposals for 2020/21; and

(b)       That the Committee endorses the Social Services cost pressures recommended for inclusion in the budget for 2020/21