Agenda item

To consider the regular update from the Leader and Chief Executive on progress against current priorities and emerging issues over the next year.

Clive Jones (Leader of the Council) and Susan Parsonage (Chief Executive) attended the meeting to give a presentation to the Committee on progress relating to key priorities and challenges facing the Council over the coming year.

The presentation covered the following points:

Starting Position May 2022:

·           Unprecedented financial position – spiralling inflation and Budget gap;

·           Cost of living crisis – increasing financial pressures on communities;

·           Inconsistency in partnership relations, resulting in missed opportunities;

·           Opportunities to improve governance, scrutiny and review.

Addressing the Gaps:

·           Making difficult financial decisions – car parking charges and waste collection;

·           Support for the cost of living crisis – funding for free school meals;

·           Prioritised Special Education Needs – bid for new SEND schools;

·           Developed specialist accommodation – supporting residents to stay in their own homes;

·           Reduced use of temporary accommodation – support for residents in need.

Making the Changes:

·           Investment in new library in Twyford and dementia care home at Toutley;

·           Cost of living crisis response - partnership with the Hardship Alliance;

·           Violence against Women and Girls Strategy approved by the Executive;

·           900+ children engaged in holiday activities and food programme;

·           Sheltered housing provision inspected and awarded accreditation;

·           Positive feedback from the LGA Peer Review follow-up visit – palpable and positive change in tone, style and purpose.

Priorities Moving Forwards:

·           Changing the way we work with partners – e.g. voluntary/community sector and Town and Parish Councils;

·           Maintaining a strong financial grip – efficiencies through innovation and demand management;

·           Tackling climate emergency – net zero target for 2030 – reducing fuel poverty;

·           Prioritise services for vulnerable residents – amplifying the voice of residents;

·           Focus on improving the customer experience – new website with easier to use digital services;

·           Developing long term aspirations – Borough Vision and 2050 Borough Plan.

Following the presentation, Members raised the following comments and questions:

How many opposition Members engaged with the Peer Review follow up visit? It was confirmed that the Peer Review team spoke to Executive Members and the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT).

The presentation referred to 36,700 Council Tax energy rebates to residents in need. Did this constitute a financial risk to the Council? It was confirmed that the impact of support for the cost of living crisis was included in the quarterly budget monitoring reports to the Executive. Other impacts of the cost of living crisis included the effect on the usage of the Borough’s leisure centres.

What was being done to develop the long-term Borough Vision? It was confirmed that community events were being planned with the Council’s key partners. Development of the Vision would be reported back to Overview and Scrutiny as part of the process. Emerging WBC priorities could be included in the Overview and Scrutiny work programmes as part of the “horizon scanning” process. Members knew what the issues were in their local communities, so it was important that their knowledge was utilised. It was essential that Members were updated on any emerging issues in their wards in order for them to carry out their roles effectively.

Residents wanted high quality services and some of these could be provided in partnership. However, it was important to minimise bureaucracy and focus on delivery. An example of effective partnership working was the approach to arts and culture. The development of a shared vision and shared partnership approach could maximise available resources and lever in funding from regional and national bodies.

It was important to establish clear lines of accountability in partnership working. As an example, what was the working arrangement between the Council and the Hardship Alliance – how were issues escalated and reported?

RESOLVED That:

1)     Clive Jones and Susan Parsonage be thanked for attending the meeting to provide an update on key challenges and priorities;

2)     Clive and Susan be invited to attend future meetings on a six-monthly basis;

3)     issues highlighted during the discussion be considered for inclusion in the Overview and Scrutiny work programmes for 2023/24.