Agenda item

2019/20 Budget Proposals For Services Within The Remit Of The Social Care, Housing And Public Health Policy Overview Committee

Minutes:

The Financial Planning Manager introduced the 2020 / 2021 budget proposals for services with the remit of the Committee and provided a verbal summary. Members heard that the budget was presented in the context of the next three years to 2022/23, and during this period a total of £40m savings was required.

 

The Committee noted that Cabinet would consider the budget proposals on 13 February 2020 and the report would include comments from Policy Overview Committees. Members were informed that Council would meet to agree the 2020 / 21 budgets and Council tax levels on 20 February 2020.

 

It was reported that the proposals for 2020/21 included a fourteenth successive year for supporting over 65s meeting their Council Tax liability and included a number of new investments including a new Leisure Centre in West Drayton, a major programme of investment in the Borough’s highways, a programme of sports club rebuild/refurbishments, a libraries refurbishment programme, provision for investment in Youth infrastructure and the potential purchase of Uxbridge police station.

 

It was highlighted that in order to continue to provide front line services, the 2020/21 budget proposals included a drawdown from General Balances of £6,386k alongside a 3.8% increase in the headline rate of Council Tax, increasing available funding by £4,422k per annum.  This comprised a core Council Tax increase of 1.8% based on 90% of the 2% anticipated increase across London, alongside a 2% increase relating to an Adult Social Care Precept to fund ongoing pressures within Adult Social Care, equating to £43.31 per annum or £0.83 pence per week for a Band D household. Overall, there had been an increase in spending across Social Care, Public Health and Housing and this was due to the greater demand of people needing services and inflation.

 

It was explained that the care market was closely managed and officers worked closely with providers in relation to the viability of businesses.

 

Members sought clarification regarding the service transformation savings and it was noted that the utilisation of units was analysed and contracts had been rationalised to enable the release of Olympic House.  Quality assurance was also key in semi-independent accommodation. The different systems in relation to SEND work streams was explained to the Committee. Although it was the early stages, it was noted that the local authority had power to introduce a licensing scheme in areas where there was evidence of recurring issues with private rented accommodation.  Further details would be provided about housing voids and private rented accommodation.

 

The Committee welcomed the budget, particularly the balances without having to cut services and applauded the Cabinet for the direction provided. Members were pleased to see expansion in the area of housing delivery. 

 

The concerns regarding the inflation rates and contingencies on social care were noted.

 

Having considered the budget proposals, the following comments were asked to be submitted to Cabinet on the budget proposals: 

 

The Social Care, Housing and Public Health Policy Overview Committee supported the budget proposals and commended officers for producing a well balanced budget without cutting services. The Committee welcomed the way officers were delivering change and improvements and the innovation demonstrated in the budget was recognised. The Committee hoped that the Council would continue to provide the best service for residents.  

 

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the 2020/21 budget proposals for services within the remit of the Social Services, Housing and Public Health Policy Overview Committee.

 

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