|
|
Hello and welcome to this week’s update. I hope it finds you well. As always, I am pleased to be able to share some of the news from recent days, showcasing the brilliant work happening across East Ayrshire. You will find below information from this week’s Cabinet meeting, our budget consultation, the joint inspection of children at risk of harm and good news stories from our Health and Safety Team and Education.
|
|
|
Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting had some important reports up for consideration and below I’ve highlighted the key messages together with links to the relevant reports. You can find the full agenda online and a recording of the meeting will shortly be available on the East Ayrshire Council YouTube Channel.
Council Recovery Plan
Back in August, Joe McLachlan, Chief Financial Officer forecasted that without action, the Council was facing a projected overspend of £20m across service budgets, due to rising inflation, increasing costs and demand for services.
A series of financial interventions were introduced in August with line-by-line scrutiny of service budgets taking place as well as a review of balances which supplemented the work from the cross-cutting reviews that have been undertaken to streamline budgets and remove operational duplication.
The report to Cabinet advised that the Council’s financial position has steadily improved throughout the year and there are now signs of further improvement as the end of the financial year approaches, meaning that the threat of the substantial overspend that was shown in August will not now materialise.
It should be noted however that service budgets remain under significant strain as costs remain high and demand for services continues to grow. These pressures will continue throughout the year and extend into future years meaning that the Council budgets, especially the health and social care budget will continue to experience overspends.
|
|
|
Members also agreed a report on the review of service balances, which is undertaken each year, following the completion of the audit of our annual accounts. The review includes a detailed examination of balances held and consideration of the continuing need for them, following discussion with Heads of Service. This can include money for fixed term projects, as well as specific initiatives or liabilities.
Members agreed to add a further £2m to the Council’s Innovation Fund to support efforts to reduce future costs and demand with £0.847m of this funding used to support two projects that were the subject of separate reports to the Cabinet meetings. This included the Expansion of Reablement in HSCP Locality Health and Care Services and Clinchyard Place Step Down Supported Accommodation Proposal. These two proposals will result in longer terms savings for Health and Social Care of around £0.688m per annum.
|
|
|
Other Items on the Agenda
Other reports considered at Cabinet this week include:
|
|
|
The Council has a vital role in supporting local people and communities, but just like household budgets, we are experiencing significant increases in costs, coupled with an increased demand for services and an ageing population.
We have an estimated budget gap of £8.75m for 2025/26 and will need to take action to close the gap and ensure a balanced budget. We are continuing to maximise efficiencies and reduce costs by redesigning how we deliver our services, but this is becoming increasingly difficult and we are going to have to make difficult decisions about how resources are allocated and what services are prioritised in the future.
It’s important for us to consult with you, our communities, partners and other stakeholders. Our online survey opened in December and over the next couple of weeks we will hold a series of in-person engagement events.
You are welcome to come along to the community sessions on 23 and 28 January 2025 or to attend a dedicated employee event on 6 February at Dean Castle Visitors Centre from 11.30am.
Details of the Council’s budget, community engagement sessions and a link to the online survey are available on our budget consultation web page.
 I have also asked Heads of Service to ensure that you continue to have the opportunity to discuss the budget at your regular team meetings, so that you are able to receive further information and raise any points with your managers. Your views will help shape our future priorities, ensuring that our resources are used to effectively meet the needs of our communities.
The annual budget consultation process is a chance for everyone in East Ayrshire to have their say. Whether you live here or work for the Council, your views are valued. I know you have loads of ideas for change within your teams and our communities and we want to hear them, so please take just a few moments to tell us what you think.
Complete the online survey and find out more here.
|
|
|
As you know from previous updates, we are currently undergoing a Joint Inspection of Services for Children and Young People at Risk of Harm. The survey of children and young people/parents and carers kicked off this week and my thanks to everyone who is supporting this and helping to ensure that we encourage as many people as possible to share their thoughts, before the survey closes at the end of this month.
Our Inspectors will be on site for a week next month to engage with children, young people, families, employees and partners. A huge amount of work goes into timetabling and arranging all the focus groups and interviews with children, parents and carers and my thanks to Kayleigh, Lauren, Diane and everyone who is supporting this work.
We expect to receive the final report in March/April 2025 and you can expect updates between now and then as the inspection progresses.
|
|
|
I wanted to share with you a really positive initiative that was shared with me recently by David Doran, Health and Safety Manager.
First aid training enhances emergency response, saves lives, reduces recovery time, builds confidence, prevents escalation and promotes safety awareness. The Health and Safety Team has been facilitating and leading First Aid Sessions for local people for whom English is a second language.
|
|
|
Today I am joining Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer and some of our Elected Members, at interviews for two new Primary School Head Teachers. Candidates have already been through a rigorous Assessment Centre and today face the Recruitment Panel. I’m looking forward to hearing from the talented individuals who will shape the future of our schools.
|
|
|
Thank you to Linda McAulay-Griffiths for sharing with me her regular update to Education Colleagues, which this week included a shout out to the team at Auchinleck.
At very short notice they were asked to attend Dumfries House to take part in a documentary. While there, they had the opportunity for a chat with His Majesty King Charles and to assist Alan Titchmarsh with some gardening.
What an incredible day for everyone involved. We look forward to seeing the final footage sometime in the future, but for now here's a photo from the day.
|
|
|
As I sign off, I want to take the opportunity to thank you, as always, for the incredible work that you do for the communities of East Ayrshire. Thank you also for taking the time to read my weekly update. I can only ever capture a fraction of the huge range of services and activities that you deliver, so if there are particular events coming up or services that you want to see highlighted, don’t hesitate to let me know.
|
|
|
|
|
