Issue - meetings

Report CS14109

The report set out the latest budget monitoring position for 2014/15 based on activity up to the end of September 2014. It was reported in addition that reductions of £100k had been identified in Mental Health Budgets.

The Chairman asked about the budget pressures relating to Leaving Care Clients. Officers confirmed that resources within the Housing team were being used to support these young people in making housing benefit claims.

Within the Direct Care budgets there was a projected underspend on Reablement which related to staffing, but this was not cost-effective as it was likely to lead to increased costs within assessment and care management. It was difficult to fill these posts, and officers were looking at attracting different types of staff. An approach using Occupational Therapists had been tried in the past, but it was very difficult to recruit them now. It was confirmed that there had been an over achievement of income in the Extra Care Housing Service, despite there being voids. 

The Committee discussed the position with Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) – the Director confirmed that following the Supreme Court judgement in March the expected full year cost to the Council was in the region of £800k, with only £200k funding provided. The requirements imposed by the Supreme Court could only be changed by legislation; Government had established a Law Review to investigate, but this was not expected to report until 2017.

RESOLVED that

(1) The following be noted:

(i)  The latest projected overspend of £2,768,000 is forecast on the controllable budget, based on information as at September 2014;

(ii)  The full year effect for 2015/16 of £4,557,000 as set out in section 4 of the report;

(iii)  The comments of the Executive Director in section 8 of the report. 

(2)  The Care Services Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve the latest 2014/15 budget projection for the Care Services Portfolio.