Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the summary of current Action Plans which contained provision for compulsory redundancy, and progress with their implementation. A copy of the report, marked “I”, is filed with these minutes.

The Committee was advised that, in advance of the meeting, Mr. Wilson CC had submitted questions in relation to the action plans referred to in the appendix to the report, as follows:

Children and Young People’s Service

1.                                          Appendix A1 – Page 2 – Item 1 – Restructure of Planning and Commissioning. Where was the additional funding found from to allow the withdrawal of this action plan?

2.                                          Appendix A2 – Page 2 – Item 4 – Youth Service Review Phase 1. Could I please be told the basis for the dispute and further details as to what is happening to resolve it, including details as to what the dispute is about would be helpful?

3.                                          Appendix A2 – Page 2 – Item 3 – Adult Learning in the Community. Could I have more details of the impact please?

Director of Corporate Resources

4.                                          Appendix A1 – Page 2 – Item 7 – Communications Review. Could I please be told how many posts now remain?

5.                                          Appendix A2 – Page 4 – Item 3 – Restructure of the Change Management Unit (CMU). Could I have details of the next steps please?

Adults and Communities

6.                                          Appendix A2 – Page 3 – Item 4 – Restructure of Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Partnership. What is the position with this Partnership following Michael Gove MP’s recent announcement on additional funding? Does this effect this Partnership?

In response to Mr. Wilsons’ questions, the following points were made:

1.                                          The action plan had been temporarily withdrawn, arising from the Government’s announcement of a £5 million Early Years and Early Intervention Fund.

2.                                          Unite the Union had raised a dispute in relation to the Youth Service Review. In accordance with the Council’s Dispute Policy and Procedure, a five member panel had been established to hear evidence from the union as to their grievance. The recommendations of the Panel would then be referred to the Chief Officer, the Employment Committee or the Cabinet, depending on the circumstances. It was planned that the Panel would meet early in April.

3.                                          This matter would more properly be dealt with through the scrutiny process.

4.                                          34 posts remained within the new structure. 10 members of staff had been made redundant equating to a saving of £850,000. It was planned that further efficiency savings would be achieved through a further review in 2012/13.

5.                                          It was hoped that the review of the CMU would create a more streamlined and efficient service. To this end, informal consultation had already commenced with staff with a view to reducing staffing levels from 39 to 12.

6.                                          A written response would be provided to Mr. Wilson.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.