Decision details

Members were provided with a report on the tracking and delivery of savings agreed by Full Council in the current and previous financial years.

Members were informed that the savings delivery currently stood at 46%. It was reported that Adult Services was carrying around £21m overspend due to non delivery of planned savings agreed from several years ago. The subsequent pandemic and the ongoing impact meant that those savings had not been successfully delivered and would be replaced with savings that were determined to be achievable. Nevertheless, it was reported that there had been recent improvements seen and positive steps to meet savings.

It was highlighted that mitigations remained in place which included accelerating some savings identified from next year to this year. In addition, work had been undertaken with reviewing IT budgets. Furthermore, good service performance in children's services had been evident, with progress on reducing numbers of children in care.

Members were invited to ask questions and a summary of discussions is detailed below:

It was felt that with the savings challenges in Adult Services, a longer term plan was required.  In addition, a query was raised as to the next steps to help manage the ongoing overspend. It was reported that for the 2025/26 budget, £46m savings were withdrawn for a more realistic and achievable target, with a longer term plan incorporated. Members were assured that significant work had been undertaken to ensure rigour remained in place. A revised savings plan would be available by the end of March.

A query was raised as to how the future savings tracker would be presented. It was felt by some members that an improved savings tracker should be arranged by RAG rating, and include more detail on where there were short, medium, and longer term plans. However, it was acknowledged that there was already a considerable amount of information provided, but agreed there was a need to ensure clarity of information.

Resolved: That:

1. The current savings position be acknowledged.
2. The new savings tracker be presented to the next meeting of the Scrutiny Management Board.