Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, members noted the report and the suggestions and view put forward by the committee.

Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.

Officers outlined the various savings and income generation proposals which fall within their remit. Members were reminded that this item is not part of the formal consultation process but is an opportunity for officers to provide an early indication on initial thoughts in relation to the budget.

The Director of Strategy and Corporate Services outlined that the directorate was considering how to streamline its processes but continue to add value to all services and other directorates. The Director confirmed that the directorate has the smallest overall budget, amd 90% of this budget is attributed to staff costs. The Director outlined the number of staff currently within the directorate and indicated that there is currently consideration for a reduction of 21 posts within the directorate. There are no specific details on the reduction in posts.

The Chief Digital Officer went through the budget items assigned to him, which includes the digital teams and the CCTV across the authority. During 23/24 the service has achieved a saving of £429,000.

The mobile phone savings identified, are targeting areas of the contract where further savings can be made. It is noted that these are likely to be the last of the savings that will be able to be made from the mobile phone contracts.

Consideration has been given to support other directorates, for example, changing operating models in the environment directorate. Security arrangements at Tregellis Court have been assessed and changes have been made utilising AI and the CCTV provisions in place. This has allowed a significant savings for the Environment Directorate to be made through a reduction in physical onsite security and has also brought some extra money into the CCTV provision. This technology will also be utilised in The Quays in the next financial year.

The service remodelling identified relates to the staffing structure for the division. All staff within the service area have been written to, asking if they would consider early retirement, voluntary redundancy, reduced working hours or flexible retirement. Once received, all expressions of interest will be reviewed on a risk-based assessment approach, to identify if any of the posts could be released and removed from the structure. It was noted that a large part of the saving has already been realised through one vacant post and two voluntary redundancies.

Members queried how large the team is currently and what is the minimum number that the team can operate at. There are currently around 90 posts within Digital Services overall. However, to assess the minimum number to operate would be difficult as it depends which function within the service is considered and the risks associated with that service area.

Members expressed their concern at staff who are potentially lone working due to the AI and CCTV provision put in place on Council premises instead of security guards. Further, the increased pressure on staff on the frontline when requests are made to the service desk and any potential effect remodelling  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3