Agenda item - Proposed Budget

Mark Ireland - Head of Strategic Finance & Procurement

James Hengeveld - Head of Finance – IFMP

Brian Doughty – Head of Adults Assessment

11.1Mark Ireland - Head of Strategic Finance & Procurement, James Hengeveld - Head of Finance Integrated Financial Management & Planning and Brian Doughty – Head of Adults Assessment (HoAA) presented the budget information and answered questions.

11.2Officers talked through a presentation which included what services did the council provide in 2011 and 2012, how were council services funded,  what did the money get spent on, 2011/12 to 2014 savings projections, where the 2012/2013 proposed savings were being made, Council tax increase or freeze and Budget setting - what happened next.

11.3Members asked the following questions which included:

1.      How was the Council going to deliver the increase in assessments as older people were living longer? Members were told that the Council has the responsibility to assess eligible need then to purchase or organise services to meet that need this would mean that the Council would need to buy more services in, to meet the increased demand. It was noted that the Council were not changing the eligibility criteria.

2.      Whether there was going to be less money spent on older people? There was going to be a small growth in the budget although Members were advised that as older people preferred to stay in their homes longer, this would lead to more innovative care within homes, better use of housing and technology.

3.      Further clarification was required on the individual cost of £100k, for a looked after child seemed very high. Members were told that this was an average figure as some costs were lower as these children went into adoption services; however some were far higher due to some children having complex needs.

There was a discussion around Brighton and Hove having the second highest looked after children (LAC) figures in the country, (there were approximately 420 LAC in the city). Ofsted had confirmed that the thresholds were correct. Children’s services were focussing on early prevention.

4.      Due to an increase in older people and a reduction in funding, would this result in a budget overspend? As older people went into independent living could this lead to more emergency care? Were all budget items being scrutinised as there was a 1% reduction in white lining of roads compared to a 6% reduction in re-enabling  older people’s services? Members were advised that this was a complex area as older people moved into more independent living. Members questioned whether there was a significant drive being made to find other savings, as it came across as if the carbon budget was more favourable than a moral budget.

Members were told that there were savings being made in this financial year to put towards the overall expected 2012-14 savings. Support services would be developed to ensure housing was appropriate to the users needs.

Clarification was given on the white lining of roads which was a £20K- £30k saving.

5.      Whether the Council were making savings from the use of consultants; as this work could be completed in house, attendances at conferences and the value of free parking to councillors. Members heard how there were significant controls in place on the use of consultants and such requests would have to be approved by the Chief Executive. There was a freeze on attending courses. Parking bays were offered to the public, outside of Full Council meetings.

6.      Whether the governments extra £750 mill. of funding that was being allocated for supporting older people being discharged from hospitals would assist with increasing services for older people? Members were told how the Council received £736k of this extra funding on the 2 January, 2012 with a caveat that the money would need to be spent by April 2012. Officers were investigating whether this money could be carried over into the following year.

7.      With an increase in older people staying at home the Argus had recently reported that there would be a £60k reduction in Meals on Wheels, how were the Council going to deliver this? Members were informed that the information published was misleading. The Meals on Wheels contract was currently out for tender. The demand for Meals on Wheels was declining as more choices were made available. The Council would ensure better value for money.

8.      The Council’s unchanged eligibility criteria would determine that the right people received the correct support. It was informed that this was the correct strategy for services.

9.      Savings had been identified for bus services. Members heard how the 10% savings and increase in costs would be challenging and would need to be met.

10.  The closure of some public toilets was concerning especially as 2    were in Brighton and 7 were in Hove and Portslade.

11.4Members thanked Officers for their time.