Agenda and minutes

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·         None

To approve & sign the Notes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

·         Approved, some print/format issues on one page - feedback

·         None

·         Richard Rowlands – Corporate Performance Report

• Summary chart – 64% of indicators met and 53% showing improvement compared to Q2 last year.

Safeguarding

• AS8 historical data shows a declining trend since Q4 16/17, second lowest since records going back to 2016/17.
• AS9 first quarter showing improvement (compared to Q1) since 16/17
• CFS18 increased number of looked after children – highest since records 16/17, 14% increase since the same time last year
• CFS19/20 both improving trends

Education

• Majority of indicators have improved their target
• BBMA4 new PI, below the number of starts for the same period as last year
• Q2 primary school attendance figure lowest Q2 figure since records 2014/15.

Tackling Poverty

• Improved time of processing new Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims but HBCT101B (time to process Housing benefit changes in circumstances) still high against historical data

Transformation and Future Council

• CHR002 staff sickness has the highest Q2 result since records 2015/16 (CMT changed sickness target to make it more realistic)
• FINA6 there are risks in relation to balancing the budget

·         Ben Smith - Head of Financial Services & Service Centre

·         The budget is out for consultation at present

·         There is 1.5m extra revenue and some extra benefits on capital

·         Teachers pay award is still a pressure

·         Some concerns around teachers’ pension funding

·         The overspend is still ‘sticky’

·         General reserves are at the minimum considered safe

·         Departments will have to meet some of their own costs

·         Overspending risks are material

·         Budget scrutiny set for 12^th February 2019

·         Long term costs of capital financing will continue to grow

·         Total known pressures will increase

·         Still awaiting amount of money for social services announced by Chancellor

·         Split money between NHS and local authorities

·         Important to recognise the consequences of continuing austerity on the future purpose and shape of local authorities - substantial

·         Need to look at how we maintain core services

·         Need more clarity on how we get to a sustainable budget

·         Savings should be realistic and achievable

·         Discussed remainder of work plan

·         Budget meetings next