To consider a report by the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development setting out the Financial Health Monitoring 2011/12- Month 6 Report.
At the last meeting of the Board it was agreed that for today’s meeting the focus would be on Children’s Services. Officers from the Children’s Directorate have been invited to attend along with the Executive Board Member, Councillor Blake and the Chair of Scrutiny Board (Children and Families), Councillor Chapman. The Chief Officer (Financial Management) will also be in attendance to respond to any general budget questions.
(Report attached)
Minutes:
The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which provided information for Financial Health Monitoring 2011/12 month 6.
The Board had agreed in October that the November meeting would focus on Children’s Services.
The following Councillors and Officers attended;
Executive Board Member Children’s Services, Councillor Blake,
Chair of Scrutiny Board (Children and Families), Councillor Chapman
Chief Officer (Financial Management)
Director of Children’s Services
Head of Finance, Children’s Services
Opening the discussion the Chief Officer (Financial Management) provided Members with a summary overview of the financial position of the Council at month 6.
The overall projected overspend at the half year stage was £7.2m, which was largely unchanged from last month.
In brief summary the issues discussed relating to the overall financial position of the Council were;
In response to a question on phased budgeting the Chief Officer (Financial Management) explained the role of the monthly budget monitoring reports and the requirements of budget holders and reviewing officers to monitor budget projections against real time expenditure. The Board would be provided with month 6 actual overspend.
Following these general budget discussions the Board focused on Children’s Services. A Document entitled, Children’s Services – Turning the curve on placements for looked after children, referred to as the ‘Plan on a Page’ was tabled by the Director of Children’s Services.
Whilst Members acknowledged the considerable improvements made by Children’s Services which were now being evidenced by good external inspections, the following issues were raised and discussed;
Throughout the discussion Members were informed of, and acknowledged the work being undertaken by Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) in addressing a number of these issues and noted a general invitation given by the Scrutiny Chair, Councillor Chapman, for Members to observe this work.
RESOLVED –
(i) To thank those members and officers attending for their input
(ii) To note the Council’s Financial Performance for month 6
(ii) To receive the additional information requested
(Councillor Lowe left the meeting at this point at 11.20 am)
Supporting documents: