Minutes:
The Portfolio Holder for Resources, Cllr Graham Arthur, addressed the Committee highlighting progress against a number of Portfolio areas.
On property, the Portfolio Holder referred to the proposed disposal of Banbury House, Chislehurst and the Small Halls Site, Orpington (to be considered at the Executive meeting, 11th January 2016). Other properties would be taken forward by Cushman and Wakefield. The Portfolio Holder also referred to Chislehurst Library and West Wickham Leisure Centre. Melvin Hall (and a short term lease) was further highlighted. A slim client model now supported property matters at officer level.
There was now a comprehensive property register which included small land parcels; should a small piece of land not be needed it would be made available for sale - the cost of the process now being more affordable with Cushman and Wakefield. The proposed Banbury House and Small Halls disposals would set a pattern for the future.
Concerning Human Resources, the Council’s staff complement currently stood at some 1,360 fte, about 50% of the Council’s complement five years previously. Should there be a number of older staff on complement, a Member suggested this would affect the Pension Fund and a number of experienced staff could be lost (through retirement). The Portfolio Holder confirmed that early retirement packages are offered. The Council also recruited and 23 interns had been recruited - interns having the potential to attain to second and third tier positions in their 20s and 30s. The Portfolio Holder also referred to the Departmental Representatives Forum which inter-alia had been influential in highlighting a need for IT improvements for social workers.
Demand for legal support was increasing as was the number of homeless in the borough. In this context the Mears scheme was moving ahead at pace; properties had been purchased with further purchases also proposed.
For the L B Bromley Pension Fund the Portfolio Holder had met the actuary who would be reporting soon on the fund’s triennial valuation. The fund remained one of the best performing in the country. Treasury management returns were also one of the best performing.
A balanced budget had been agreed at the start of the year and a projected overspend was concerning. Soaring costs of social services was a national issue and there was no desire to impose an extra percentage rise on Council Tax; however, it was necessary to consider such an option. Further income generation and tight spending controls would help fill the budget gap and the Portfolio Holder suggested a Member Working Group to consider options. The Group could perhaps evolve into a Sub-Committee but initially enable some “blue sky thinking” to look at income/ revenue generation. A Member suggested looking at successful approaches by other local authorities and the Portfolio Holder highlighted a need to be business minded. The Chairman suggested it was too late in the current year to establish a working group but it might be possible for 2017/18. The Leader also referred to Cabinet and Chief Officers meeting to consider income generation.
For the Amey contract, it was hoped to see gradual and progressive improvements to services going forward.