At its meeting on 26th June the Council agreed the Assurance & Improvement Plan which showed that we are ‘an improving Council’ and therefore require no additional scrutiny. We have demonstrated that we have a good awareness of our strengths and the areas we need to improve. We have had lots of challenges but we have put in place arrangements to reduce the risks faced by the Council. As a Council we have introduced better long term planning; better partnership working; and we have the drive and ambition to improve outcomes for our residents. A copy of the Motion that was unanimously agreed by Council. Item 9: Assurance & Improvement Plan: Motion from Martin Rooney Council welcomes the improvements as identified in the 2013 – 2016 Assurance & Improvement Plan, which is based on performance data and self evaluation evidence as well as external scrutiny bodies including Education Scotland; The Care Inspectorate; and the Scottish Housing Regulator. In particular the fact that the Council has been assessed as ‘An Improving Council’ means there is no requirement for additional scrutiny. The report recognises a number of the key decisions taken by council including: the cancellation of stock transfer; the approval of a ten year capital plan; the adoption of the strategic plan; and the delay in securitisation. We note the report does recognise areas of risk specific to the council which need to be addressed such as: • Housing Maintenance and Assets • Developing affordable & sustainable housing • Health & Wellbeing • Use of Resources – financial outlook • Risk Management • Welfare reform The report also recognises national risks that affect all councils such as: • The protection and welfare of vulnerable people including access to opportunities • Assuring public money is being used properly • How councils are responding to the challenging financial environment Since the inspection the Council has taken actions to mitigate a number of the identified risks such as: • Progress towards the SHQS has increased from 36% compliance with the standard in 2012 to 62% in 2013. • Some risks associated with the Welfare Reform Act have been mitigated through (i) Maximising Discretionary Housing Payments; (ii) Agreeing the Social Welfare Fund policy; (iii) Agreeing the Scottish Council Tax Replacement Scheme; (iv) Budgeting for reductions in financial support for homeless budget; (v) The creation of the Working4U Service comprising Welfare Rights, Community Learning & Development services and the Council’s Employability service. The Council remains opposed to the changes and has taken a number of measures to protect residents affected by the changes. • The Community Planning Partnership is refocusing its work to meet Scottish Government guidelines. • The Community Health & Care Partnership (CHCP) is ready to adapt to the Scottish Government criteria for better integration with NHS. • The Local Police Plan and Local Fire Plans for West Dunbartonshire have been approved by the CPP. • Council is taking a more strategic approach to revenue budgets - with a 3 year rolling budget; better capital planning – with a ten year capital plan; and a ten year financial strategy linked to the Councils strategic priorities. • We are limiting exposure to financial risk by maintaining a prudential reserve of £4.2m; and providing earmarked reserves for specific known risks. • Providing additional funding for an increased focus on raising attainment in our schools. • Agreed strategic risks and updated the Council’s strategic risk register. • The CHCP focussed attention on addressing the reduction in quality of service provision in residential care homes and this led to improved level of quality. In addition the CHCP took a decision to build 2 new 90 bed Care Homes to ensure continued compliance with the Care Inspectorate standards. • Maintaining focus on regeneration by committing to (i) a review of the current model; (ii) committing £500,000 towards regeneration; (iii) Encouraging capital investment projects for schools, care homes, housing and other public works. • The Scottish Housing Regulator Report has conducted an audit that will help to identify other areas for improvement
Posted on: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 07:24:12 +0000
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