Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain and Interim Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director and the Chamberlain, which presented the budget estimates for the Department of Community & Children’s Services for 2023/24, excluding HRA.  Members noted that proposed budget has been prepared within the resource envelope allocated to each Director by  the Resource Allocation Sub Committee.

During the discussion on this item, the following points were noted:

1.         Officers were asked to cease using the term ‘manpower’.

2.         There are currently 12 children in care, with none in residential homes.  In respect of unaccompanied asylum seeking children,  Members asked if future reports could show how much of the cost is recoverable from central government and  comparators with other authorities.    The Assistant Director, People, advised that the Safeguarding Sub Committee receives reports at this level of detail.   Members noted that government funding for asylum seeking young people in care ceases at a certain threshold.  The Department had been carrying an overspend as demand can fluctuate and is not within the department’s control. However, this had recently levelled off to 12 Looked After Children, with over 50 care leavers, for whom financial liability ends at age 25.   The Department had been working with the Home Office in respect of ‘leave to remain’ status, which enables young people to access benefits and support, resulting in a saving of £120,000.  Members noted that, by joining the Alliance Framework, the Department will achieve greater economies of scale.

3.         The Housing Service Repair and Maintenance contract was currently being retendered, with a new contractor expected by October 2023.  This would be the subject of a report to the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee on 30 January 2023.

In summarising, the Chair noted that a number of Member questions had been performance orientated and, whilst accepting the limitations of such a small service in producing comparative data, asked if this could be given consideration when producing future reports.   Members also noted the Department’s 3-5 Year Plan, which would anticipate future budgets.  The Chair  advised that, at the recent Resource Allocation Sub Committee, the Chair of the Finance Committee had commended the Department’s approach and suggested that it be adopted across the City Corporation.

RESOLVED, that, subject to noting the comments set out above:

i)          The Community and Children’s Services Department’s (excluding HRA) proposed revenue budget for 2023/24 be approved for submission to Finance Committee, noting that additional resources totalling £1.2m had been added to the 2023/24 Original Budgeted, to help meet the ongoing pressures across Adults and Children’s Social Care, and the cost of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children.

ii)         The Community and Children’s Services Department’s (excluding HRA) proposed capital and supplementary revenue projects budgets for 2023/24 be approved for submission to the Finance Committee.

iii)         The Chamberlain, in consultation with the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services, be authorised to revise these budgets to allow for any further implications arising from Corporate Projects and changes to the Cyclical Works Programme.

iv)        Minor amendments for 2022/23 and 2023/24 budgets arising during the corporate budget setting period be delegated to the Chamberlain.

v)         The factors taken into consideration in compiling the Community and Children’s Services Department’s Business Plan, including efficiency measures, be noted.