Agenda item

Joint report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services and The Chamberlain.

The Committee considered a joint report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services and Chamberlain concerning approval of the budget estimates for the Department of Community & Children’s Services for 2025/26, for subsequent submission to Finance Committee.

Officers noted that the proposed revenue budget for 2025/26 totals £19,779,000, which was an overall increase of £1,854,000 from the current budget. Members were informed that the increase was mainly due to two reasons, firstly, due to an increase in the allocation of budget for recharges and support services by £648,000 following a corporation-wide review of the allocation methodology. Secondly, due to the department securing substantial additional funding to address existing and projected future pressures in adult and children's social care.

Discussion was raised regarding the pressures in adult and children's social care, with a Member raising a question about the proportion of the budget allocated to each. It was noted that the budget pressures are due to high-cost placements and increasing demand for services. Members also discussed the importance of communicating available support to residents, particularly regarding the Household Support Fund and winter fuel payments. Suggestions were made to improve communication through the City of London website, residents' WhatsApp groups, and including information with Council tax bills.

RESOLVED – That Members,

a)     review and approve the Community and Children’s Services Department’s (excluding HRA) proposed revenue budget for 2025/26 for submission to Finance Committee,

b)     review and approve the Community and Children’s Services Department’s (excluding HRA) proposed capital and supplementary revenue projects budgets for 2025/26 for submission to Finance Committee,

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

d)     agree that the Chamberlain be authorised to make minor amendments for 2024/25 and 2025/26 budgets arising during the corporate budget setting period.