·
To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision
scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)
Decision:
Self-Assessment 2022-2023
Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.
Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.
Update Report on Settlement Position
Members considered the report as circulated within the supplement pack.
Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Minutes:
Self-Assessment
2022-2023
Officers
gave an overview of the Self-Assessment 2022-2023 report contained within the
Cabinet Agenda pack.
Members
referred to page 29 of the report (Summary of Performance) and expressed
disappointment in the amount of completed areas. Members questioned the delay
in the completion of SA22 (refine the councils approach to the Self-Assessment
strategy) and SA3 (set up recruitment taskforce) and expressed concern over the
length of time taken to deliver Disabled Facilities Grants, leavers within the
Local Authority and the timings around planning applications. Members expressed
disappointment that percentage figures did not include full data, as previously
requested, which made scrutinising and recommendation to Cabinet difficult.
Officers
confirmed that reference SA22 could not be completed in 2022/2023 due to
capacity issues but it is hoped that this will be completed for the 2023/2024
self-assessment. Officers apologised for the lack of corresponding figures in
the report in respect of the percentages and confirmed this will be included
before the document is published.
The Head of
People and Organisational Development confirmed that the recruitment taskforce
has been set up, but work is ongoing as there are still a number of hard to
fill jobs across the council. Work is ongoing to bring forward more detailed
leavers data and leaver reason categories have been improved. The data provided
reflects 2022/23 and more detailed information will be available as time
progresses.
Members
stated it would have been clearer if the report had stated that the recruitment
taskforce has been set up and continues ongoing work.
Members
referred to page 20 of the report and asked for clarification of the approach
adopted this year, and why other reports weren’t aligned as has happened in
other authorities.
Officers
confirmed that research was undertaken to establish the best approach for the
self-assessment as guidance was limited. It was noted that this was only the
second self-assessment that has been completed and member’s feedback will be
taken on board in relation to the completion of the third self-assessment. The
toolkit will be able to demonstrate the progress made over time and
consideration will be given to ensure there is no duplication and that the
assessment adds value.
Members
considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.
Following
scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.
Update
Report on Settlement Position
The Chief
Finance Officer advised the committee that this is an information report for
Cabinet, which sets out the worsening financial position as a result of the
reduced provisional settlement. The report also details three specific grants
where there has been significant cuts across Wales.
Members
requested further information regarding the implications of any loss of grants.
The Chief
Finance Officer confirmed that the council received details of the specific
grant reductions at the same time as the provisional settlement was announced
on 20th December 2023.
The
Director of Social Services, Health & Housing confirmed that when any grant
is cut, firstly the service looks at whether there are opportunities to cut
what the grant is spent on. In relation to the Social Care Workforce Grant,
Welsh Government encouraged the grants to be used to provide support to
external domiciliary care providers in relation to domiciliary care
recruitment. This work needs to continue resulting in a £500k pressure on the
Social Service budget. Work is ongoing to bring the budget into balance.
Members
thanked the Director for providing clarity, and questioned whether the
shortfall would be identified from the Social Services budget or whether it
would be spread across directorates.
The
Director confirmed that this pressure would be taken from the Social Services
budget and work is ongoing to finalise this.
Members
considered the report as circulated within the supplement pack.
Following
scrutiny, the report was noted.