Agenda item

[NOTE: Cllr. K. Lloyd had earlier declared an interest in this item].

The Committee considered the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report in relation to the Social Care and Health Service, which provided an update on the latest budgetary position as at 31^st October, 2020 in respect of the 2020/21 financial year.

The Social Care & Health Service was projecting an overspend of £933K on the revenue budget and net variance of -£157K against the 2020/21 approved capital budget.

The following questions / observations were raised on the report:

·         In response to the use of the £157k capital variance the Head of Financial Services advised that this was not unusual and confirmed that there were no accounting concerns regarding this.

·         Concern was raised that the overspend would have been higher if some services hadn’t closed.  It was stated that unfortunately, difficult circumstances had contributed to a positive impact on the budget and with the return of services this would have to be carefully monitored.

·         It was asked if care workers would be receiving a second payment from Welsh Government.  The Committee was advised that future payments was a Welsh Government decision but that the question would be asked via the WLGA.

·         It was stated that complaints had been received that some had been eligible for the carers payment despite only working an hour.  The Head of Integrated Services advised that the eligibility criteria for payment was set by Welsh Government. 

·         Clarification was asked what the term ‘rightsizing’ meant.  The Head of Integrated Services advised that this was ensuring that the level of care packages and support provided was at the right level.

·         Concern was raised regarding the availability of funding in meeting the increased demand on Mental Health services.  It was stated that the Head of Adult Social Care was monitoring the situation carefully to ensure that funding was allocated to the right budget areas to service the increased demand.

·         Concern was raised regarding the vacancies within the Occupational Therapy team and staffing levels in general.  The Committee was advised there were very few vacancies and that two Occupational Therapy vacancies had recently been filled.  It was also stated that when an underspend is shown at the start of the year, it would remain for the rest of the financial year as there is no back payment of salary cost.  The Group Accountant stated additional information could be included within the report to clarify the position.

·         It was stated that now was the time to look at developing a workforce development strategy.  The Head of Integrated Services confirmed that the Communities Department were already developing a strategy and that various programmes were in place providing opportunities for apprentices to gain qualifications while working.  The department was also looking to link with various colleges to develop new courses.  The Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health advised that Pentre Awel would also provide opportunities for on-site training.

·         An update was requested on Cwm Aur and the partial delivery of savings.  It was stated that costs had not increased and that at the time of setting the contract potential savings had been identified but not delivered but that this was on the workplan to be revisited.

·         It was asked how many out of County placement the Authority had.  The Head of Integrated Services advised that there were very few placements outside of County but she did not have the actual figures to hand, but would confirm at a later date.

RESOLVED that the report be received.