Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services outlining the detailed savings proposals that have been developed as part of the Transformation to 2019 Programme.

The Committee received a report and presentation of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services (CCBS) and the Director of Corporate Resources, Corporate Services (Item 6 in the Minute Book) outlining the detailed savings proposals for Culture, Recreation and Countryside (CRC) Services that have been developed as part of the Departmental Transformation to 2019 Programme (Tto2019).

The wider County Council context incorporating the need to reduce budgets by 19 percent, amounting to a saving requirement across the Council of approximately £140 million by 2019/20 was set out. It was explained that proposals in the report were for savings equal to approximately £3.661 million from CRC services and the individual proposals were presented to the Select Committee. The Director of CCBS also gave an overview of the Balancing the Budget public consultation feedback.

Following Members’ questions, it was clarified that the CCBS department had existing partnerships with private organisations to facilitate service provision and that officers were continuing to look for opportunities, such as partnerships, to support the delivery of the Tto2019 proposals. It was confirmed that the department worked with Parish Councils and that the Hampshire Association of Local Councils was a useful forum to discuss the Tto2019 programme with other authorities. It was noted that the support of Parish Councils for the proposals, and for the work of the County Council generally, was highly valued.

Members expressed their support for improving income generation as opposed to the removal of existing services. Discussion was held regarding possible options for generating additional revenue and the Committee were aware of the balance between any initial capital outlay and the return pay back period to ensure that any investment was worthwhile.

The decision making route for the proposals, through the Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside, Cabinet and finally County Council, was explained. The attached Equality Impact Assessments relating to the savings proposals were acknowledged.

RESOLVED:

That the Culture and Communities Select Committee recommends to the Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside that he approves the submission of the proposed savings options contained in this report and Appendix 1 to the Cabinet.