The Council Plan and business change programme for 2024 to 2027 adopted by council in November 2023 with unanimous cross-party support.
Highlights
Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating maintained for Children in Care following focused visit in November.
Public consultations were held on the local transport plan, housing allocation, local plan, economic strategy, sports and leisure and the draft council budget.
First submission of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Management Plan under Safety Valve Programme made.
Social Prescribers and Happiness Hub collaborated for World Mental Health Day and ‘Stay Connected this Winter’ programme.
Inaugural Joint Climate Action Board in October - response to the Climate Change Emergency Motion.
Successful programme of Christmas events at Lexicon, supported by free bus travel offer, increased visitors to town.
1,000 residents offered vouchers to help with cost of living as part of Household Support Fund and financial hardship plan.
The dementia forum relaunched, connecting people with dementia, carers and professionals.
Recently updated results from the Office for National Statistics show that the borough reports above average happiness in comparison to our nearest local authority nearest neighbours (CIPFA).
This has improved significantly from 2022 to 2023.
Challenges identified and being addressed
Continued budget challenges.
However, actions have led to an improved position since quarter 2. The focus on managing costs within the original budget remains a priority.
Significant financial pressures were identified through the safety valve programme.
A management plan has been in development to submit in quarter 4.
Increased complexity of cases across numerous service areas in adult and children’s social care putting pressure on teams.
Service delivery reviews and streamlining are helping to provide required support.
Despite some recruitment success, difficulties remain in recruiting to some roles such as social care, IT, building surveyors and engineering.
This is a focus of the new business change programme, to start in the next financial year.
Adult Social Care are continuing to see a rise in costs of residential and nursing placements and increase in demand.
There are pressures in the Reactive Highway Maintenance budget. This is mostly due to changing weather patterns and the condition of infrastructure.
Proposals to address this are included in the draft budget for 2024 to 2025.
Cost of living contributing to increased service demand including welfare and housing.
There is a focus on addressing the key issues identified in the housing strategy for 2023 to 2028.