Agenda item

To consider a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support that introduces details of the initial 2019/20 budget proposals presented to the Executive Board at its meeting on 19 December 2018. 

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report that introduced details of the initial 2019/20 budget proposals presented to the Executive Board at its meeting on 19 December 2018. 

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults

-  Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles

-  Shona McFarlane, Deputy Director, Social Work & Social Care Service, Adults and Health

-  Dr Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health, Adults and Health

-  John Crowther, Head of Finance (Adult Social Care), Resources and Housing

-  Steven Barker, Business Manager, Active Leeds, City Development

The Chief Officer Access and Inclusion and Head of Finance (Adult Social Care) introduced the report, providing additional context to the projected savings and financial pressures in 2019/20.  Some of the areas highlighted included:

• Additional £14.6M to support demand based services, including an additional £2M to support homecare services.
• An allowance of £2M to support the transforming care agenda
• Reduction in some short-term social care grant areas (approx.£6.8M)
• A cut to the Public Health grant (approx. £1.1M)
• Improved collection rates of income
• Improved level of income from the contribution of partners (where appropriate).

Members sought clarification regarding the cuts in funding to Adult Social Care, and were informed that the directorate had made £100m savings since 2010.  Members also considered the level of reserves being used to support Public Health services affected by the cut in grant funding. 

RESOLVED – That, while recognising the ongoing financial challenges facing the Council and specifically a number of demand led services across Adults and Health, the 2019/20 budget proposals and general approach in terms of priority areas, be supported.