Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the minutes of the 25^th July 2018.

The Committee noted the Minutes of the 1^st August 2018, subject to amending ‘previous year’s class numbers’ to ‘Previous Plasc numbers’.

The Committee chose to scrutinise the following items:

Cabinet Board Papers

2.1     Budget Setting – The context for Members

Members received an overview of the budget process over the next 6 month and received full information on the range of factors that may occur, as detailed in the circulated report.

Members highlighted that there are no commitments for funding in the Education Department, however, queried how much the funding that are on offer would cover. Officers highlighted that where the ALNET Bill is concerned there would be a saving as the authority had challenged Welsh Government. However, as far as additional funding is concerned it was noted that there is the Additional learning Needs (ALN) Grant. It was noted that the Legal aspects of the ALN Grant is currently being looked into. Officers explained that other than this there are no additional funding and the Council would be required to consume the cost.

Members highlighted that teachers pay are well overdue and asked what conversations are happening with the Trade Unions. Officers highlighted that they are having extent discussions with teachers and there is a Staff Council meeting on Monday to discuss these issues with the trade unions.

Members highlighted that the Barnett formula had been mentioned and asked what the consequences on that would be. Officers explained that Welsh Government are claiming that it is recycled money. The officer highlighted their views and explained that the Barnett formula would not be reformed.

Members highlighted the concerns for the care agenda, members felt that the care strategy needs to be rethought. Officers highlighted that the Local Authority need assistance from the Health Board. It was noted that we are aware of the current pressures and would need to adapt our strategies and have adequate funding for the social care element.

Members showed concern in relation to the lack of insight from health, however, highlighted that the Council delivers really well for people that are at retirement age. Officers gave a brief response and explained that there are currently difficult discussions between the authority and ABMU.

Members highlighted an aspect of the report which is in relation to the Valleys initiative in the Council and highlighted that for the Social Services Directorate there needs to be more localised strategies to deliver. Officers agreed and highlighted that the point was well taken.

Members highlighted that the Environment department continues to take the brunt of the budget cuts.

Members highlighted that there is reform with no infrastructure and Welsh Government have the ALN reform and asked what is being done about that. It was noted that there needs to be a change in terms of stepping down from ABMU and asked what the Council and the Health Board doing about this. Officers highlighted that it’s not just about continuing health care, it was noted that the boarder of the authority is quite poor and that the issues are addressed in the report.

The Cabinet member highlighted that report highlights all of the issues.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Members noted the forward work programme and requested that the following be added:

·       To view the impacts of the decisions on the Welsh Language Promotion Strategy and the Valleys Action Plan annually.

·       Periodic report on the progress of work against the Wales Audit Proposals for Improvement on a 6 monthly basis.