Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the outcomes of the  Efficiency Review and implications for the Council's Transformation Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy. A copy of the report, marked “Agenda item 5”, is filed with these minutes.

Comments of the Scrutiny Commission, which had considered a report at its meeting on 11 May were circulated separately and a copy is also filed with these minutes.

The Chairman, Mr. D. Harrison CC, referred to the need to tackle the budget deficit and maximise efficiency whilst protecting services, and noted that the Better Leicestershire Programme would also complement the Council’s planning for local government reorganisation (LGR).

In response to questions, the Director advised members regarding pursuing the opportunities identified in the Review, and other issues that could affect the Council’s finances, including LGR.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the views of the Scrutiny Commission be noted;

b)    That the revised Transformation Programme at Appendix A to the report be approved and re-named the Better Leicestershire Programme;

c)    That the relevant Chief Officers, following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Lead Members, be authorised to implement the initiatives in the Better Leicestershire Programme, subject to the usual Scrutiny and Cabinet process in relation to proposed service change;

d)    That the Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Resources, following consultation with the Leader and the Cabinet Lead Member for Resources be authorised to;

i)    mobilise the internal and external resources required to implement the Better Leicestershire Programme,

ii)   undertake any procurement or contractual processes required to deliver i) above;

e)    That up to £20m of investment to fund the net implementation costs required to deliver the Better Leicestershire Programme be approved;

f)      That the Director of Corporate Resources, following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, be authorised to allocate the funding at e) above from the Council’s reserves;

g)    That further reports be made to the Cabinet and the Scrutiny Commission later in the year.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The revised Transformation Programme - the Better Leicestershire Programme - and delivery of the newly identified savings will support the Council in maintaining a sustainable Medium Term Financial Plan and make progress towards closing the current gap of £85m by 2029/30.