Agenda item

That the progress made on the implementation of efficiencies as part of the budget for 2018/19 be noted.

The Corporate Finance Manager provided Members with an update on the early progress made on the implementation of efficiencies included within the 2018/19 Budget.  He explained the challenges which the Council had faced in recent years and that £7.970m efficiencies were projected to be achieved in the 2017/18 financial year closing - a success rate of 95% which matched the key performance indicator set.

            It was projected that £6.182m (71%) of the 2018/19 efficiency total of £8.777m were Green, £2.395m (27%) Amber, and only £0.200m (2%) classified as a Red risk.

            The Chief Executive explained that the red risks were relatively small in number and highlighted a number of amber risks.  He provided further explanation on good progress that had been made in reducing risks.

            Councillor Patrick Heesom referred to the Amber risk ‘County Hall Rationalisation’ and in particular the demolition of Phases 3 and 4.   The Chief Executive responded that this was a key area of work which was on track with a proportion of the workforce to be relocated to Unity House.

            The Chairman asked if there was sufficient car parking facilities for staff and whether there would there be a charge. The Chief Executive assured Members that there were sufficient car parking facilities and there would be a charge.

            It was agreed that a progress report be made to the June or July meeting on the move to Ewloe, with a site visit by the Committee in due course.

            Councillor Haydn Bateman asked a question regarding the Amber risk– ‘Green Waste Service’ and could this amount increase.  The Chief Executive informed Members that the required number of households had subscribed for this Service and there was a good public response with a low number of complaints received.  There had been a peak at Easter and Streetscene were still receiving enquires.

            Councillor Hilary McGuill asked questions regarding General Data Protection Regulations and the Green Waste Digital Service – would residents be sent emails regarding new Data Protection Regulations.  Whether sports / bowling green clubs be given a reduction or exemption and with the proposed merger of Wrexham and Flintshire Councils, whether Unity House was fit for purpose and worried about the public purse.

The Chief Executive replied to all three questions and in response confirmed that the Green Waste Digital Services would be compliant with the new Regulations, and that any exemption or reduced fee for brown bins for clubs would be considered during a later review.   On Unity House phases one and two of County Hall would be lower in occupancy than now once the transition had been completed.   If there were to be a future Council merger, Flintshire would be in a good position with a single depot in Alltami, workforce numbers would already be at a minimum, and a ‘democracy hub’ would be required.

It was suggested the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee be advised to include to monitor car parking and green waste income within their Forward Work Programme.

            RESOLVED:

That the progress made on the implementation of efficiencies as part of the budget for 2018/19 be noted.