Prior to the Lead Member for Finance and Ascot introducing the latest financial update report. The Chairman addressed Cabinet.

The Chairman told Cabinet that the administration were committed to delivering value for money for the residents and committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our society.  The council found itself in a challenging financial position but the administration were resolute and determined to address the immediate financial challenge as well as getting the Royal Borough back on a long term sound financial footing.  Cabinet were informed that there would be difficult decisions ahead of them but they would united in meeting their objectives.

The Lead Member informed that the Council had a history of clean financial audits but he had become aware of financial risks and because of these risks the administration and Managing Director felt it was prudent to call in Cipfa to review the financial position.  Their findings have been circulated and work was underway in addressing identified issues.

Cabinet were informed that as there was a projected overspend of £4,179,000 measures were to be undertaken to reduce this such as there would be no more Member capital bid process.  Focus would be on the current position with Members being able to report issues with officers.

The Lead Member informed that the council had not been immune to the national pressures facing adult social care and was facing a projected pressure of  £1,421,000 in this area. There are currently just over 2,000 people receiving services in the borough some with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and or mental health challenges. The cost of placements and the associated complexity of need because people are living longer was creating pressure on the budget.

One of the main areas of pressure was domiciliary care and placements which had already been recognised with associated recovery plans in place. There was evidence that actions taken was having an impact with costs levelling off.  Work would continue with officers and Optalis.

The Deputy Chairman of Cabinet, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Health and Mental Health informed Cabinet that the financial pressures needed to be out in the national context of people living longer, which was good, but also living longer with complex conditions and a rising cost of provision.  The Government was bringing forward a prevention paper.  Within the Royal Borough we had an ageing population that came with a cost to the borough, care provision was improving and the Royal Borough had a high percentage of excellent care homes when compared nationally.  This was a positive challenge with people living longer but tis came at a cost.  The administration would continue to push the Government for a fair funding stream.  Moving to Optalis had been successful and future proofed services. There was a five year transformation programme for social services looking at prevention; there was a need to invest to save in the long term.   

The Chairman reported that we had excellent  children’s and social services teams that were good at identifying vulnerable young  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6