Agenda and minutes

1.    The Scrutiny Research Officer read a note from the Corporate Director – Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, updating Members on the developments concerning Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and the letter, asked for by the Scrutiny Committee, to all Kent MPs.  Since the last meeting of the Scrutiny Committee central government had included, in the Immigration Bill, new powers to set up a national dispersal scheme for UASC.  KCC was continuing to liaise closely with central government with regards to when such powers might be used.  Additionally the Leader had met the Kent MPs and the current issues surrounding UASC were raised.  Consequently the position had moved forward since the last committee meeting and Kent MPs had been updated, and thus a letter had not been required.

RESOLVED that, subject to the correction of a typographical error in paragraph 14, the minutes of the meeting held on 11 December were an accurate record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

1.    The Chairman welcomed the witnesses and explained that the purpose of the meeting was to scrutinise the draft budget proposals; to ensure they were achievable and realistic and also to review the level of risk associated with the budget.  Members were also invited to challenge the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), the assumptions made within it and the associated risks.  Members were informed that written answers would be provided to any specific questions which the witnesses were unable to answer during the meeting. 

2.    Mr Simmonds introduced his 7^th draft budget. Mr Wood, reminding the meeting of the complications and lateness of the Government settlement, gave a brief presentation on the key issues (attached as a supplement to the Agenda pack) which included:

·         Adjusted 2015-18 MTFP – basis of consultation

·         KCC projection for consultation

·         Consultation – Council Tax

·         Published Spending Power/Real Spending Power

·         KCC latest projection

·         Budget and Spending Pressures

·         Revenue Support Grant Cut, Redistribution and Impact

·         Reserves

·         Impact on 2017/18

3.    In response to a query Mr Wood explained that the term ‘flat cash’ referred to the funding figures available now which would still be broadly the same amount in 4 years’ time, based on a number of key assumptions.

4.    A Member queried the use of reserves and capital receipts; commenting that they should be considered a short term solution and was not sustainable.  Mr Wood and Mr Simmonds agreed that it was necessary to find a permanent solution.   

5.    In response to a query about the 2% social care levy, it was stated that this was a permission to levy and was given for the next four years.  There would be a Government audit to ensure that the money raised was used on adult social care services.

6.    It was asked why, for the New Homes Bonus, was there a dip in the funding?  Mr Shipton explained that 2016/17 was the final year of the six year roll-out, however there had been a government consultation which would change the grant to a four year scheme and the grant would be re-distributed and received by the Council through other streams.  The draft Budget had not focussed on this matter because it was subject to a consultation which would close in March 2016. 

7.    A Member queried the current overspend which was forecast to be £1-£2million.  There were concerns over the impact of winter in the NHS and in Social Care.  Officers were confident that the overspend would be eliminated in 2015/16, however there were continuing concerns for 2016/17. 

8.    The last reported overspend was around £4million, a Member asked where the additional money had come from to reduce the overspend to £1-£2million.  The biggest single thing was a one off grant of approximately £3.5million to help with the introduction of the Care Act and the implications of the Act, which had previously been assumed, could in some way be ‘recovered’ by Government. 

9.    Mr Simmonds was asked whether there were plans to examine the Council’s property  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.