The Chair has agreed to receive this late item so that the Panel can carry out its budget scrutiny function.

Appendix 2 and 3 is a separate document as the description of CSF2018-08 has been updated since the report was seen at Cabinet. This item also includes the equality analysis supporting the savings where appropriate which did not go as part of the original Cabinet report.

The Director of Corporate Services gave an update on the Business Plan. A report to Council in February stated the budget gap was £1.3 million rising to £18 million by 2022-23. It is now expected that by end of 2022-23 there will be a budget shortfall £20.2 million as some adult social care grants are not continuing. The Director said she would welcome feedback on the equality impact assessments in order to feedback to Cabinet.

A panel member asked why the majority of savings will be taken in 2020-2021 The Director of Corporate Services said government grants come to end at

this time.

A panel asked the Director of Children Schools and Families to outline her biggest concern given the financial challenges.  The Director of Children Schools and Families said there is very little capacity to offer early help or intervention;  work with families who are not very vulnerable at present but may become more so in the future.

A panel member asked if additional monies become available for adult social care if this in turn will lead to more funds for children’s services. The Director of Children Schools and Families said the Adult Social Care Green Paper will highlight conditions attached to new monies.

A panel member asked if more schools may become academies if funding is reduced. The Director of Children Schools and Families said this is a possibility, but finances are not any more a  driving force to become a Academy as the original financial incentives no longer apply.

RESOLVED

The Director of Corporate Services was thanked for her report.