Agenda item
Budget Proposals
- Meeting of Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Wednesday, 21st June, 2017 6.45 p.m. (Item 5.1)
- View the background to item 5.1
The Committee will receive a presentation that will help to inform the identification and scheduling of Transformation Reviews in the current year.
Minutes:
The Committee received a presentation from Councilor David Edgar – Cabinet Member for Resources and Neville Murton - Service Head of Finance and Procurement highlighting a number of key issues including Smarter Together which is the name for the LBTH transformation programme that will fundamentally change the way the Council works, providing an opportunity to rethink and create the right service models, skills and tools to get the best outcomes for residents; the Whilst the Workforce Strategy has been designed to articulate the Councils vision and blueprint to ensure LBTH has the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time for the right price;. The Digital Strategy providing the context and framework for the digital transformation of the Council and empowering customers with greater access to complete 80% of their transactions online; and the Benefits and Third Sector Team which is at the forefront of welfare reform proving support, advice and guidance to residents.
This was followed by questions and comments from Members which is summarised as follows:
The Committee:
· Noted that the Mayor and Cabinet Member for Resources both appreciated the support provided by the Committee and welcomed their views on how they would wish to consider those issues;
· Asked for details on the Councils spend in agency workers. In response it was that the intention was to reduce the use of such workers although it was noted that they do provide the Authority with a valuable and flexible resource;
· Requested information on what is being done to help small business address the challenges they are facing with the new taxes now to be paid on non-residential properties. In response it was noted that it is accepted that help must be provided to businesses and going forward work is being undertaken to promote economic growth e.g. helping those businesses in significant need and require time to adjust to the increases in their rates;
· Wanted to know what is being done to help those on low incomes and who may be eligible for a council tax reduction of up to 100%;
· Wanted to be informed what is being done to ensure that the Boroughs IT infrastructure has the desired stability;
· Wished to be advised as to what is being done to help those self-employed workers on housing benefit. In response it was noted that work was being to help those with a low income who may be able to get Housing Benefit dependent on their self-employed earnings and any other earnings and benefits that they may receive.
· Wanted to be kept advised of what being done to support the long term development of the Boroughs infrastructure. In reply the Committee was informed that the infrastructure spend under constant review;
· Noted the need to monitor the impact of savings on the delivery of services and the plans for growth;
· Expressed concern that apparently there were those in the Borough either on low incomes or who were currently claiming benefits who were unaware that they might be able to apply to have their Council Tax reduced by up to 100%;
In conclusion, it was noted that the Executive were keen to be challenged on any of the issues referred to tonight and to discuss directly with the elected members who had specifics issues that needed to be addressed and suggestions on how these might be resolved e.g. Council Tax and Business Rates.
Supporting documents: