Minutes:
Committee
received an overview of the Report of the Corporate Directors’ Group in
relation to the Revenue Budget Monitoring for 2016/17. Members then raised the following:
·
What were the reasons behind the overspends in both Margam Park and parking
and were advised that in relation to Margam Park – the anticipated income from
filming, in the region of £55k had not been realised, however a contract had
been secured for the next financial year. Negotiations were ongoing in relation
to the future of Twyn Yr Hydd while the Orangery was doing well but needed to be
monitored closely. In relation to
parking, Members were advised that charges had been reduced earlier in the
financial year and whilst there were still fixed costs, income had been reduced.
·
Costs in relation to the increasing external provision of Domiciliary
Care were raised and the Director of Social Services, Health and Housing
advised that there had historically a double handling of cases and an
overprovision of service. This had now
been addressed;
·
Members asked whether the underspend on staff
within childrens’ services was putting a strain on the
current workforce. The Director of
Social Services, Health and Housing advised that this was not the case as there
was a strict limit of 15 cases per social worker together with a fall in the
number of children being taken into care, as a result of successful early
intervention. He confirmed that there were
a few vacancies within the service, however there were no plans to reduce the level
of staffing;
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet.