cannock chase council cabinet 11 february 2010 … · panel to be 3.2% however their final budget...

ENCLOSURE 12.1

CANNOCK CHASE COUNCIL

CABINET

11 FEBRUARY 2010

REPORT OF HEAD OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

RESPONSIBLE PORTFOLIO LEADER: LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

BUDGET CONSULTATION PROCESS 2010-11

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 To inform Members of the results of the consultation on the 2010-11 to 2012-13 budget.

2. Recommendation

2.1 That Members in determining the budget for 2010-11 to 2012-13 take into account the results of the Consultation process.

3. Key Issues

3.1 The revised budget process of issuing a Consultation Budget as soon as possible each year was re-confirmed by Cabinet at its meeting on the 17 December 2009.

3.2 A Consultation Budget reflecting the issues that the Cabinet is currently considering in formulating its budget was submitted for consultation at that meeting. The Consultation Budget included a potential Council Tax level and proposals for growth and savings, which provide as a minimum, a balanced budget over the three year budget period.

3.3 The Consultation Budget is attached as Appendix A.

3.4 Consultation involved a full range of consultees including individual residents via the Councils Website; Business Ratepayer representatives; Citizens Panel; the Council’s Scrutiny Committee- Delivering Change Panel and the Council’s Shadow Cabinet.

3.5 The closing date for submissions as part of the formal consultation has closed although Cabinet can elect to receive any other submissions at today’s meeting.

3.6 Separate Annexes to this report detail the responses from the Website; the Citizens Panel; Delivering Change Panel; and Shadow Cabinet with key underlying issues summarised below.

3.7 The Delivering Change Panel at its meeting of the 11 January 2010 resolved to fully support the Draft General Fund Revenue Budget as proposed by Cabinet without amendments.

3.8 The Citizens Panel however proposed certain changes to the Budget as follows (Table References relate to the Citizens Panel report) :

13a-Budget Consultation Process 2010-11 v2.doc

ENCLOSURE 12.2

a) Growth Options – Not Supported

Table 1. Not Supported – Cabinet Growth Options

Ref Detail Amount

KL08 Urban Forest Strategy 22,000

PL11 Economic Downturn 20,000

KL10 Green Flag Award 2,000

b) Saving Options - Borderline

The Citizens Panel ultimately did not reject any saving options , and although increases in Car Park charges and Dial a Ride were potentially borderline only one option remained as Borderline

Table 5. Final Borderline/Non supported Cabinet Saving Options

Ref Detail Amount

ME07 Reduce Arts Development 10,000

c) Additional Saving Options

Additional Saving Options were however supported by the panel as follows:

Table 4. Additional Saving options Proposed

Ref Detail Amount

PL08 Asset Review/ Maintenance Officer 34,000

EH02 Reduction in street wardens by an additional 2 posts

60,000

PL04 Deletion of Planner/Senior Planner post. 39,000

3.9 In relation to the WEB based consultation only 35 people undertook the review of options and the results are considered to be statistically invalid. Also, in respect of ‘other’ consultation formats, 1 letter has been received not supporting the Dial-A-Ride service option to cease


ENCLOSURE 12.3

3.10 The results of the WEB based consultation, for indicative purposes only, agreed with the Citizens Panel as follows

a) Growth Options

Opinion was divided over the Urban Forestry Strategy (KL08) whereas the Green Flag Award (KL10) was not supported.

(Opinion was also divided over the Workforce Development Strategy (PL10))

b) Saving Options

Opinion was divided over the Reduction in the Arts Development Programme (ME07)

(Opinion was also divided on Car Park charges (KL02); Reductions in Tourism Budget (PL06) and the Admin Post in Economic Development (PL07).

All other options were supported

3.11 The level of Council Tax increases were considered by the Delivering Change Panel and the Citizens Panel, and each panel were asked to reassess their increase having taken into account their determined service changes.

3.12 A 4.9% Council Tax increase was considered acceptable by the Delivering Change Panel and confirmed at the end of the process.

3.13 The recommended level of acceptable Council Tax increase was initially set at by the Citizens Panel to be 3.2% however their final budget resulted in a minimal 0.5% increase for 2010-11

3.14 Details relating to Shadow Cabinet’s response to the Consultation are attached as Appendix B.

3.15 No responses have been received to date from the Business Ratepayer consultees.

4. Conclusions and Reason(s) for Recommendations

4.1 The consultation undertaken has identified options that are potentially borderline or not supported as well as identifying additional items for consideration.

4.2 Cabinet in determining a balanced budget will need to take account of such issues in finalising its recommendations to Council.

5. Other Options Considered

5.1 There are no other options in respect of this report.

6. Report Author Details

Bob Kean, Head of Financial Management, Ext. 4334


ENCLOSURE 12.4


REPORT INDEX

Contribution to Council Priorities (i.e. CHASE, Corporate Plan) Section 1

Contribution to Promoting Community Engagement Section 2

Financial Implications Section 3

Legal Implications Section 4

Human Resource Implications Section 5

Section 17 (Crime Prevention) Implications Section 6

Human Rights Act Implications Section 7

Data Protection Act Implications Section 8

Risk Management Implications Section 9

Equality and Diversity Implications Section 10

List of Background Papers Section 11

Report History Section 12

Annexes to the report Annex 1

ENCLOSURE 12.5

Section 1

1. Contribution to Council Priorities (i.e. CHASE, Corporate Plan)

1.1 The revenue budget reflects the agreed priorities of the Council as determined by the Delivering Change process and hence directly contributes to CHASE and the Corporate Plan. The Standstill Budget expresses the cost of continuing with the Council’s current policies into the future whereas Delivering Change both determines and re-allocates resources in accordance with agreed priorities.

Section 2

2. Contribution to Promoting Community Engagement

2.1 The Determination of a budget for Consultation is an essential part of Community Engagement

Section 3

3. Financial Implications

3.1 Provision exists within the 2010-11 budget for the costs of the budget process including consultation.

3.2 Financial implications of the budget process have been referred to through out the report.

Section 4

4. Legal Implications

4.1 In preparing a revenue budget for the district the Council is legally obliged to consult with its relevant stakeholders. Statutory budget consultees include trades unions, the voluntary sector and the business sector; however it is best practice to consult on its actual proposals with a wide range of consultees as possible.

4.2 Any additional savings options which relate to Council staff and are subsequently included within the proposed Balanced Budget for 2010-11 shall be subject to compliance with relevant Council policies and applicable legislation.

4.3 The legal implications are set out throughout the report including the statutory requirement for the Council to set a balanced budget.

Section 5

5. Human Resource Implications

5.1 In accordance with the Council’s normal practice a series of employee and trade union briefings were undertaken at the same time as the Council’s budget proposals were made available to the public.


ENCLOSURE 12.6

5.2 Further targeted briefings and consultations will take place with both employees and trade unions once the Council’s final budget proposals are determined

Section 6

6. Section 17 (Crime Prevention)

6.1 Not applicable

Section 7

7. Human Rights Act Implications

7.1 There are no identified implications in respect of the Human Rights Act 1996

Section 8

8. Data Protection Act Implications

8.1 There are no identified implications in respect of the Data Protection Act

Section 9

9. Risk Management Implications

9.1 The risk management implications of the budget are contained within the Reserves and Balances report which is contained as part of this Agenda

9.2 The consultation process enables the public and other consultees to be engaged in the budget setting process and in addition to fulfilling a statutory requirement contributes to ensuring the vision and aims and objectives of the council are effectively managed.

Section 10.

10. Equality and Diversity Implications

10.1 In preparing a Balanced Budget Cabinet will need to ensure that due regard is made to Equality and Diversity Implications as well as financial considerations. The Standstill Budget will reflect the Councils current Equality and Diversity policy whereas changes to service provision will need to be addressed as part of the Delivering Change process.

Section 11

11. List of Background Papers

Annexes

Appendix A Consultation Budget

Appendix B Shadow Cabinet Response


ENCLOSURE 12.7

Appendix A

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13£ £ £

CE01 Chairman's AGM Dinner -2,000 -2,030 -2,060 0 0 0 0 0CE05 Chairman's Hospitality -2,000 -2,000 -2,000 0 0 0 0 0CE07 Leader's Hospitality -500 -500 -500 0 0 0 0 0CS04 Shopmobility Contract - Revise (#) -13,000 -30,000 -30,000

0 0 0 0 0CS07 Review of Counter Services Function #

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0GV02 Deletion of Long Service Awards -3,160 -3,220 -3,270

0 0 0 0 0KL02 Car Parks - Charges 0 -102,000 -102,000 0 0 0 0 0KL03 Community Safety Efficiency

Saving0 -16,940 -17,110

0 0 0 0 0LT01 Deletion of Discretionary Concessionary Fares - Dial-A-Ride

-80,000 -80,000 -80,000

0 0 0 0 0ME04a Private Sector Partner Options * 0 0 -380,000 ME07 Reduce Arts Development

Programme-10,000 -10,000 -10,000

0 0 0 0 0PL01 Senior Planner - Delete one post -39,150 -40,030 -40,640 0 0 0 0 0PL06 Economic Development (Tourism)

budget - Reduce-5,000 -5,000 -5,000

0 0 0 0 0PL07 Tech Support / Admin posts - Delete 1 of 2

-7,060 -11,130 -11,310

0 0 0 0 0PL09 Market Traders - Cannock Market Hall Reduce Access

310 -6,370 -6,510

0 0 0 0 0PR01 Chase Matters - Self Fund Publications

-17,000 -17,260 -17,520

0 0 0 0 0SH02 Delete GF Contribution Imp'n of Homelessness Act

-7,490 -7,890 -8,300

0 0 0 0 0SS01 Review of Street Warden/ Environmental Enforcement Functions *

-30,780 -31,460 -32,18

-216,830 -365,830 -748,40

# post trial implementation

Financial Plan 2009-10 to 2012-13

0

0

Saving Options Subject to Consultation


ENCLOSURE 12.8

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13£ £

KL07 Wheeled Bin Container Provision for Dry Recyclable

22,200 22,200 22,200

KL08 Urban Forestry Strategy 40,000 19,000 8,000

£

0 0 0 0 0KL09 Bereavement Services Service Plan 15,000 15,000 0

KL10 Green Flag Award 2009-10 2,200 0 0ME04a Private Sector Partner Options -

CCDC (*) - Costs100,000 50,000 0

PL10 Workforce Development Strategy 20,000 20,000 20,000

0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0PL11 Economic Downturn 40,000 25,000 25,0000 0 0 0 0

239,400 151,200 75,200

Financial Plan 2009-10 to 2012-13Growth Options Subject to Consultation


ENCLOSURE 12.9


Appendix B.

Shadow Cabinet

Response to Budget Consultation

1. That at a time of recession and potential pay freezes the Shadow Cabinet rejects the Cabinet’s proposals in relation to an increase in Council Tax of 4.9%.

2. A maximum increase of 2.5% is proposed and in determining such a balanced budget Cabinet are asked to reconsider its proposals and in particular include further savings in relation to :

a) Equipment and Non Consumable Budgets

b) A review of the Members Allowance Scheme and in particular Special Responsibility Allowances

c) Rationalisation of Garden Waste Collections during Winter Months

ENCLOSURE 12.10


CABINET

11 FEBRUARY 2010

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

2010-11 BUDGET – CITIZENS PANEL CONSULTATION OUTCOME 1. Purpose of Report 1.1 To report to Cabinet on the outcomes of the 2010-11 budget Citizens Panel consultation

exercise held at the Civic Centre on the 19 January 2010. 2. Recommendations 2.1 That Cabinet note the preferred level of Council tax derived from the Citizens Panel

consultation exercise as detailed in Annex 1 to this report. 2.2 That Cabinet take into account the Citizens Panel consultation outcomes detailed within

Annex 3 of this report when considering which Policy Options are to be recommended as part of the 2010-11 budget.

2.3 That Cabinet take into account those options proposed by Cabinet as part of the

consultation budget that were rejected by the Citizens Panel and the additional options proposed by the Citizens Panel as detailed in Annex 3 to this report.

2.4 That Cabinet consider further potential options raised by the Public Consultation

attendees as part of the 2010-11 or 2011-12 budget as detailed in Annex 4 of this report. 3. Key Issues 3.1 As part of the 2010-11 Delivering Change process, Cabinet consulted with the public on

its proposed budget changes, which may result in a change in Policy, as part of their Consultation budget.

3.2 An additional exercise was also undertaken with chosen members of the Citizens Panel.

The Citizens Panel was split into 6 groups, each of a varying number (minimum of 10) and were required to:

1. Consider a Council Tax percentage rise that the Citizens Panel would view

as acceptable for 2010-11 2. Consider and prioritise the comprehensive list of policy options considered

by Cabinet in determining their consultation budget (attached as Annex 2) analysed between 2a) Cabinets Consultation Budget 2b) Other Options

ENCLOSURE 12.11

3. To re-prioritise the policy options considered in order to achieve their acceptable Council Tax increase for 2010-11 or to agree a revised Council Tax level

3.3 The first part of the process was to ascertain from each group an acceptable level of

Council Tax increase. Annex 1 details by group what the acceptable rate of Council Tax increase would be. This averages out to circa 3.2%, currently 1.7% Error! Not a valid link. the consultation budget base increase.

Annex 1 also details the results of the actual level of Council tax increase after panel

reviewed the potential saving options available to them. The actual level is considerably lower than the acceptable rate with Growth items being

rejected and additional saving options taken. Cabinet should note that council Tax levels were based upon 2010-11 only and not a

balanced three year budget. 3.4 Annex 2a of this report details Cabinets options prioritised by the groups. In summary The following Growth Options were not Supported

Table 1. Not Supported – Cabinet Growth Options Ref Detail Amount

KL08 Urban Forest strategy 22,000 PL11 Economic Downturn 20,000 KL10 Green Flag Award 2,000

Members may also wish to note that there were no savings options that all the groups

did not want to be considered at all as part of the budget process however in the first round of Prioritisation the following savings options were borderline

Table 2. Borderline Cabinet Saving Options Ref Detail Amount

ME07 Reduce Arts Development 10,000 LT01 Dial a ride Cease 80,000 KL02 Car Park charges 102,000

The top 7 options that the Citizen Panel wish to be considered as part of the budget are: Table 3. Top7 Supported Options

Ref Detail Amount CS04 Shopmobility Contract (Saving) (30,000) SS01 Street Warden / Env. Review (Saving) (30,000) PL09 Market Traders (Saving) (8,000) KL07 Wheeled Bin Container Provision (Growth) 22,000 PL04 Planner / Senior Planner – Delete (Saving) (39,000) PR01 Chase Matters Self Fund Publication (Saving) (17,000) KL09 Bereavement Services Service Plan (Growth) 27,000

ENCLOSURE 12.12

3.5 In relation to consideration of the other options (Annex 2b) that had been discounted

by Cabinet as part of their consultation budget the preliminary outcome of the Citizens Panel can be summarised as follows. There was no support for any growth proposals where as the following additional saving proposals were supported on a majority basis

Table 4. Additional Saving options Proposed Ref Detail Amount

PL08 Asset Review/ Maintenance Officer 34,000 EH02 Reduction in street wardens by an additional

2 posts 60,000

PL04 Deletion of Planner/Senior Planner post. 39,000 3.6 Within the groups the current level of Council Tax was then calculated based on the

options identified as required saving as part of exercise 2 (Annex 2). Where there was a difference between the revised Council Tax rise and the acceptable Council tax rise the members of the group were asked to re-visit the policy options to arrive at a balanced budget.

3.7 The resultant revised Policy Options priorities are included within Annex 3 of this report

and can be summarised as follows. Two savings options moved from Borderline to majority support in relation to Cabinet

Saving Options with only one option remaining borderline /not supported

Table 5. Final Borderline/Non supported Cabinet Saving Options Ref Detail Amount

ME07 Reduce Arts Development 10,000 No material changes were made to other Cabinet or Additional options. The top 11 options that the Citizen Panel wish to be considered are:

Table 6. Top 11 Options of Citizens Panel Ref Detail Amount

CS04 Shopmobility Contract (Saving) (30,000) SS01 Street Warden / Env. Review (Saving) (30,000) PL09 Market Traders (Saving) (8,000) KL07 Wheeled Bin Container Provision (Growth) 22,000 PR01 Chase Matters / Cease / Self Fund Publication (Saving) (17,000) PL04 Planner / Senior Planner – Delete (Saving) (39,000)

KL09 Bereavement Services Service Plan (Growth) 27,000

PL01 Senior Planner – Delete One Post (Saving) (40,000) PL08 Asset Review / Maintenance Officer – Combine Posts

(Saving) (34,000)

CS07 Counter Services Review (Ultimate Saving) PL07 Tech Support / Admin Posts – Delete 1 of 2 (Saving)

(11,000)

ENCLOSURE 12.13

Members may also wish to note that there were 3 options that all the groups did not want to be considered at all as part of the budget process. These were:

Table 7. Additional Growth Options with No Support Ref Detail Amount

EH12 Environmental Enforcement (EH12) – Employ 2 FTE’s (Growth

83,000

EH13 Environmental Enforcement (EH12) – Employ 2 FTE’s (Growth)

41,000

EH14 Environmental Enforcement (EH12) – Employ 2 FTE’s (Growth)

41,000

3.8 Following the exercise outlined above, the members of the Citizens Panel were also

asked to propose any options that they would like to be considered as part of the budget process. These are detailed within Annex 4 of this report.

4. Conclusions and Reason(s) for the Recommendation(s) 4.1 The consultation undertaken with the Citizens Panel has identified potential

amendments to the Consultation Budget in the form of both options that are not supported as well as additional items for consideration.

4.2 Cabinet in determining a balanced budget will need to take account of such issues in finalising its recommendations to Council.

5. Other Options Considered 5.1 There are no other options in respect of this report. 6. Report Author Details 6.1 Bob Kean, Head of Financial Management, Ext. 4334.

ENCLOSURE 12.14

REPORT INDEX

Contribution to Council Priorities (i.e. CHASE, Corporate Plan) Section 1 Contribution to Promoting Community Engagement Section 2 Financial Implications Section 3 Legal Implications Section 4 Human Resource Implications Section 5 Section 17 (Crime Prevention) Implications Section 6 Human Rights Act Implications Section 7 Data Protection Act Implications Section 8 Risk Management Implications Section 9 Equality and Diversity Implications Section 10 List of Background Papers Section 11 Report History Section 12 Annexes to the report

ENCLOSURE 12.15

Section 1 1. Contribution to Council Priorities (i.e. CHASE, Corporate Plan) 1.1 All the options contained within this report have already been ‘scored’ against the

CHASE objectives.

Section 2 2. Contribution to Promoting Community Engagement 2.1 The Determination of a budget for Consultation is an essential part of Community

Engagement.

Section 3 3. Financial Implications 3.1 The financial implications have been considered within each option and as this report

is an information only report there are no financial implications arising from it.

Section 4 4. Legal Implications 4.1 There are no Legal implications arising from this report.

Section 5 5. Human Resource Implications 5.1 The Human Resource implications have been considered within each option and as

this report is an information only report there are no Human Resource implications arising from it.

Section 6

6. Section 17 (Crime Prevention) 6.1 There are no Section 17 (Crime Prevention) implications arising from this report.

Section 7 7. Human Rights Act Implications 7.1 There are no Human Rights Act implications arising from this report.

Section 8 8. Data Protection Act Implications 8.1 There are no Data Protection Act implications arising from this report.

Section 9

ENCLOSURE 12.16

9. Risk Management Implications 9.1 The risk management issues have been considered within each option and as this

report is an information only report there are no Risk Management implications arising from it.

Section 10

10. Equality and Diversity Implications 10.1 There are no Equality and Diversity Implications arising from this report.

Section 11 11. List of Background Papers 11.1 None. Annexes Annex 1 – Citizens Panel – Acceptable Council Tax Increase Annex 2 – Citizens Panel Prioritisation of Policy Options – Initial View Annex 3 - Citizens Panel Prioritisation of Policy Options – Setting the Council Tax Annex 4 - Citizens Panel – Additional Comments / Options for Consideration

ENCLOSURE 12.17

Annex 1.

ENCLOSURE 12.18

Average Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6

Initaial Acceptable Council Tax Increase 3.2 0.0 2.1 2.9 5.0 5.0 3.9First Prioritisation of Services 1.4 0.0 0.0 1.0 4.4 0.0 3.2Actual Council Tax Increase 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.7 0.0 0.0

Acceptable Council Tax Increase

Citizens Panel - Acceptable Council Tax Increase

ENCLOSURE 12.19

Annex 2 Annex 2A

Option Value Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Priority Essential Desirable Not Supported

Urban Forestry Strategy -22,000 -20,000 -2,000

Reduce Arts Development Programme 1-20,000

Dial-A-Ride - CeaseCar Parks - ChargesDelete Contribution to Implementation of Homelessness ActPrivate Sector Partnership Options - CCDC (*)Economic Development (Tourism) budget - ReduceCommunity Safety Efficiency SavingTech Support / Admin Posts - Delete 1of 2Counter Services ReviewSenior Planner - Delete One Post

-27,000 Chase Matters / Cease / Self Fund Publication 1

-22,000 Market TradersStreet Warden / Environmental Enforcement - ReviewShopmobility Contract

0 0 2 1 0 0 3 1 1 4Economic Downturn 0 0 2 2 0 0 4 2 0 4Green Flag Award 2009-10 0 0 2 2 0 0 4 2 0 4

0,000 0 2 0 1 0 2 5 2 1 3Workforce Development Strategy 2 0 2 2 0 0 6 3 0 3

80,000 0 2 2 1 0 2 7 3 1 2102,000 0 2 2 1 0 2 7 3 1 2

7,000 0 2 1 2 1 2 8 3 2 1380,000 0 2 1 2 2 1 8 3 2 1

5,000 2 2 2 0 2 0 8 4 0 217,000 0 2 2 2 0 2 8 4 0 211,000 2 2 1 1 1 2 9 3 3 0

0 2 2 2 1 2 0 9 4 1 140,000 2 2 0 2 2 2 10 5 0 1

Bereavement Services Service Plan 2 2 2 1 2 2 11 5 1 07,000 2 2 2 2 2 1 11 5 1 0

Wheeled Bin Container Provision for Dry Recycable Waste 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 08,000 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 0

30,000 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 030,000 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 0

Total Value of Low Priorities (1) 72,000 688,000 176,000 465,000 461,000 286,000

Key Assumptions On PriorityPriority 2 - Option to be included Scoring 0 - 4 = Option not SupportedPriority 1 - Option to be considered if required Scoring 5 - 7 = Potential Options for ConsiderationPriority 0 - Option not to be considered Scoring 8 - 12 = Essential Options

Citizens Panel Prioritisation of Policy Options - Initial View - Cabinet Options

SummaryOptions

ENCLOSURE 12.20


Environmental Enforcement (EH12) - Employ 2 FTE's -83,000 -41,000 -41,000

Cease Sports Development Service 97Cease Arts Development ServiceStreetwardens (EH04) - Reduce by Final 3 FTE's (Inc EH02/03)Countryside Management - Reduce by 1 FTEEnvironmental Enforcement Budget - DeleteStreetwardens (EH02) - Reduce by 3 FTE'sAsset Review / Maintenance Officer - Combine PostsStreetwardens (EH03) - Reduce by Further 2 FTE's (Inc EH02)Planner / Senior Planner - Delete

0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 5Env'l Enf't (EH13) - Employ 1 Further FTE (Inc EH12) 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 5Env'l Enf't (EH14) - Employ 1 Further FTE (Inc EH12 & EH13) 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 5

,000 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 577,000 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 1 1 4

125,000 2 0 0 0 2 1 5 2 1 340,000 0 2 0 1 2 1 6 2 2 258,000 2 0 2 0 2 1 7 3 1 292,000 2 0 2 0 2 1 7 3 1 234,000 2 2 0 2 2 1 9 4 1 160,000 2 0 2 2 2 1 9 4 1 139,000 2 2 2 2 2 1 11 5 1 0

Total Value of Low Priorities (1) 408,000 190,000 249,000 133,000 448,000 0


Citizens Panel Prioritisation of Policy Options - Initial View - Additional Options

SummaryOptions

ENCLOSURE 12.21

Annex 3


Urban Forestry Strategy -22,000 -20,000 -2,000

Reduce Arts Development Programme 10-20,000

Car Parks - Charges 102Private Sector Partnership Options - CCDC (*)Dial-A-Ride - CeaseDelete Contribution to Implementation of Homelessness ActEconomic Development (Tourism) budget - ReduceCommunity Safety Efficiency SavingTech Support / Admin Posts - Delete 1of 2Counter Services ReviewSenior Planner - Delete One Post

-27,000 Chase Matters / Cease / Self Fund Publication 17,000

-22,000 Market Traders 8Street Warden / Environmental Enforcement - ReviewShopmobility Contract

0 0 2 2 0 0 4 2 0 4Economic Downturn 0 0 2 2 0 0 4 2 0 4Green Flag Award 2009-10 0 0 2 2 0 0 4 2 0 4

,000 0 2 0 1 0 2 5 2 1 3Workforce Development Strategy 2 0 2 2 0 0 6 3 0 3

,000 0 2 2 2 0 2 8 4 0 2380,000 0 2 1 2 2 1 8 3 4 180,000 0 2 2 2 0 2 8 4 0 27,000 0 2 1 2 1 2 8 3 2 15,000 2 2 2 0 2 0 8 4 0 2

17,000 0 2 2 2 0 2 8 4 0 211,000 2 2 1 1 1 2 9 3 3 0

0 2 2 2 1 2 0 9 4 1 140,000 2 2 0 2 2 2 10 5 0 1

Bereavement Services Service Plan 2 2 2 0 2 2 10 5 0 12 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 0

Wheeled Bin Container Provision for Dry Recycable Waste 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 0,000 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 0

30,000 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 030,000 2 2 2 2 2 2 12 6 0 0



SummaryOptions

Citizens Panel Prioritisation of Policy Options - Setting the Council Tax - Cabinet Options

ENCLOSURE 12.22


Environmental Enforcement (EH12) - Employ 2 FTE's -83,000 -41,000 -41,000

Cease Sports Development Service 97,Cease Arts Development ServiceStreetwardens (EH04) - Reduce by Final 3 FTE's (Inc EH02/03)Countryside Management - Reduce by 1 FTEEnvironmental Enforcement Budget - DeleteStreetwardens (EH02) - Reduce by 3 FTE'sStreetwardens (EH03) - Reduce by Further 2 FTE's (Inc EH02)Asset Review / Maintenance Officer - Combine PostsPlanner / Senior Planner - Delete

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6Env'l Enf't (EH13) - Employ 1 Further FTE (Inc EH12) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6Env'l Enf't (EH14) - Employ 1 Further FTE (Inc EH12 & EH13) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

000 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 577,000 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 2 0 4

125,000 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 2 0 440,000 0 2 0 1 2 0 5 2 1 358,000 2 0 2 0 2 0 6 3 0 392,000 2 0 2 0 2 0 6 3 0 360,000 2 0 2 2 2 0 8 4 0 234,000 2 2 0 2 2 2 10 5 0 139,000 2 2 2 2 2 1 11 5 1 0



SummaryOptions

Citizens Panel Prioritisation of Policy Options - Setting the Council Tax - Additional Options

ENCLOSURE 12.23

Citizens Panel – Additional Comments / Options for Consideration Annex 4 The Citizens Panel also wished the following items to be considered as part of the budget process:

Concerns about Refuse Collection and the amount of litter that is left lying around (weekly collections in the summer) Multi-Storey Car Park – State of the Car Park, security etc Gritting in the Town Centres Chase Leisure Centre – Feeling that everything is in Cannock. Concern about lack of facilities in the smaller towns and villages More activities for teenagers Street Cleansing should be increased Dog Warden Service should be reviewed Allotments Review of services to avoid duplication with other boards Recycling – More boxes in the Town Centres Recycling – Why does all sorted recycling go into one lorry? Recycling – Concern over space availability at properties to house the new dry recycling wheelie bin Why does the Council collect the Brown bin during the winter months? Suspend? Does the Council offer composting for waste? Do not want cuts to Council staff unless absolutely necessary Don’t know what services the Council provides. Can there be weekly collections of green bins – issue with maggots in the summer and can’t use bleach to clean the wheeled bins Need to regenerate the town centres Entertainment in Rugeley needs improving Drugs are an issue and fires being caused by young people with nothing to do – don’t want youth clubs but what about teen shelters Car parking charges too high – can we have 30 mins free parking Council tax should be means tested

Cabinet should note that these are comments from individual members of the Citizens Panel and do not necessarily reflect the feeling of the whole group.

ANNEX 1

WEB Based Consultation Report

BUDGET 2010 – 11

January 2010

ANNEX 1

CONTENTS

BACKGROUND .............................................................................................17 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................18

COUNCIL SERVICES ................................................................................18 SAVINGS OPTIONS ..................................................................................20 GROWTH OPTIONS..................................................................................21

IN MORE DETAIL: .........................................................................................22

COUNCIL SERVICES ................................................................................22 SAVINGS OPTIONS ..................................................................................41 GROWTH OPTIONS..................................................................................46

Budget Consultation 2010-11

WEB BASED CONSULTATION STAGE

BACKGROUND As part of the wide ranging Budget (2010-2011) Consultation exercise a questionnaire was posted on the Council’s website which was open to any person accessing the website to complete. 37 people responded to the link on the Council’s website

(http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk) front page which invited them to “Express your views on spending and service priorities of the Council for the next financial year.”

The link was http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/site/scripts/xforms_form.php?formID=113 and was open until 20th January 2010.

Postcodes were asked for and screened to ensure that opinions were collected only from Cannock Chase residents. As a result of this screening, two submissions were excluded from the sample as the postcodes given were not within the boundaries of the authority. The final sample is therefore 35.

Note: This is a small sample and is not statistically valid.

Results should therefore be viewed as being indicative only.

17

http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/

http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/site/scripts/xforms_form.php?formID=113

OVERVIEW

COUNCIL SERVICES

Services where the opinion is that budget might be Reduced Christmas Activities Cannock Golf Course Services where the opinion is divided but where a Reduction might be acceptable (with justification) Shopmobility Scheme Development Control Counter Services (Council Enquiries) Street Wardens Scheme CCTV Prince of Wales Centre

18

Services where the overall opinion indicates that current budget should be Maintained Building Control Local Plans and Policy Promotion of Tourism Concessionary Fares Grants to Major Organisations (CAB etc) Dog Warden Food and Safety Environmental Protection Pests and Rodents Control Licensing Contaminated Land Homelessness General Chase Leisure Centre Rugeley Leisure Centre Museum of Cannock Chase Sports Development Section Arts Development Section Play Schemes Chase'IT' Markets Allotments Countryside Management - Services General Public Open Spaces Parks Recycling Refuse Collection Bulky Refuse There were no incidences of the majority of respondents considering that the budget allocated to a Service should be Increased

19

SAVINGS OPTIONS There is :

Conclusive agreement (being 90%+ Agreeing) with the following: Revise Shopmobility Contract : £30,000 (Saving)

Community Safety Efficiency Saving : £17,000 (Saving)

Chase Matters - Cease / Self Fund Publication : £17,000 (Saving)

Strong agreement (being 80% - 89% Agreeing) with the following: Counter Services : (Potential saving not yet known)

Review - Streetwarden / Environmental Enforcement : £30,000 (Saving)

Cease Dial-A-Ride : £80,000 (Saving) Senior Planner - Delete one post : £40,000

Majority agreement (being 70% - 79% Agreeing) with the following:

Private Sector Partner Options : £380,000 (Saving)

Market Traders - Cannock Market Hall Reduce Access Hours : £7,000 (Saving)

Agreement (being 60% - 69% Agreeing) with the following: Delete General Fund Contribution to implementation of Homelessness Act. : £7,000 (Saving)

Opinion is divided regarding: Car Parks - Charges : £102,000 (Increase in Revenue) Reduce Arts Development Programme : £10,000 (Saving)

Reduce Economic Development (Tourism) budget : £5,000 (Saving)

Admin post - Economic Development & Property Services - Delete 1 of 2 : £11,000 (Saving)

20

GROWTH OPTIONS

There is:

Majority Agreement (being 70% - 79% Agreeing) with the following:

Wheeled Bin Container Provision for Dry Recyclable Waste : £22,200 (Cost)

Agreement (being 60% - 69% Agreeing) with the following:

Economic Downturn : £40,000 (Cost)

Bereavement Services Service Plan : £15,000 (Cost)

Opinion is divided regarding: Urban Forestry Strategy : £40,000 (Cost) Workforce Development Strategy : £20,000 (Cost)

Disagreement (being 60% - 69% Disagreeing) with the following:

Green Flag Award 2009-10 : £2,200 (Cost)

21

IN MORE DETAIL:

COUNCIL SERVICES Introduction: In order to aid both this year's and future years budget allocations below is a table of some services provided by Cannock Chase Council. You are asked to identify whether the current level of service provision should be maintained, improved or reduced. Shopmobility Scheme Net Budget 2010-11= £39,660. Shopmobility - Hire of mobility scooters and wheelchairs from Shire Travel who are contracted by the Council to run the service in Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 3% Maintain 41% Reduce 56%

Over half state that the budget for this service should be Reduced, however, four out of ten people feel that the current budget should be Maintained and there is a minority request for an Increase. Net indication Maintain although a Reduction might be acceptable. Building Control Net Budget 2010-11= £169,170. Building Control is responsible for: Building Regulations - processing of plans and inspection of work on site, Enforcement of Building Regulations - Ensuring dangerous structures are made safe, Control of demolition of buildings, Advice and guidance regarding disability issues and the DDA. 32 people offered an opinion: Increase 3% Maintain 72% Reduce 25%

Seven out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, and a quarter feel that it should be Reduced and there is a minority request for an Increase. Net indication Maintain

22

Local Plans and Policy Net Budget 2010-11= £382,310. Formulating planning policy to help guide and manage the future development of Cannock Chase District. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 6% Maintain 39% Reduce 55%

Over half state that the budget for this service should be Reduced, however, four out of ten people feel that the current budget should be Maintained and there is a minority request for an Increase. Net indication Maintain although a Reduction might be acceptable. Development Control Net Budget 2010-11= £184,030. Determining development proposals through the planning process in the public interest and in accordance with planning legislation and adopted planning policy. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 9% Maintain 52% Reduce 39%

Half state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, however, four out of ten people feel that the current budget should be Reduced and there is a minority request for an Increase. Net indication Maintain although a Reduction might be acceptable.

23

Promotion of Tourism Net Budget 2010-11= £146,470. Promote the district to encourage visitors 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 21% Maintain 47% Reduce 32%

Opinion is split with the balance stating that the budget for this service should be Maintained. Net indication Maintain Concessionary Fares Net Budget 2010-11= £981,000. The Council offer eligible persons (the over 60's and eligible disabled persons) the statutory English National Concessionary Travel Scheme which is a bus pass that entitles free off peak (09.30 - 23.00 hours Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays.) travel on local bus services throughout England.) 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 12% Maintain 59% Reduce 29%

Six out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, although almost a third feel that it should be Reduced and there are requests for an Increase. Net indication Maintain

24

Counter Services (Council Enquiries) Net Budget 2010-11= £279,290. Customer facing team currently based at Cannock. Hednesford and Rugeley who are available to help customers primarily complete their council tax and housing benefit forms, however, they will help in relation to any enquiry to do with the council. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 0% Maintain 61% Reduce 39%

Six out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, although four out of ten feel that it should be Reduced. Net indication Maintain although a Reduction might be acceptable. Grants to Major Organisations (CAB etc) Net Budget 2010-11= £163,730. The Council currently supports the CAB, CVS and St.Giles through grants. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 9% Maintain 71% Reduce 20%

Seven out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained. There is some call for a Reduction and there is a minority request for an Increase. Net indication Maintain

25

Christmas Activities Net Budget 2010-11= £45,040. Contribution to the provision of Christmas lights. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 0% Maintain 38% Reduce 62%

Six out of ten state that the budget for this service should Reduced. The balance state that it should be Maintained. Net indication Reduction Comment: Don’t waste money on Xmas decorations. Dog Warden Net Budget 2010-11= £39,110. The Council encourages responsible dog ownership around the District. The area is monitored for stray dogs and they are retrieved in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Enforcement for dog fouling offences where evidence is available. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 12% Maintain 53% Reduce 35%

Over half state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, although a third feel that it should be Reduced and there is some request for an Increase. Net indication Maintain

26

Food and Safety Net Budget 2010-11= £480,860. The Environmental Health Department is responsible for enforcement of environmental health legislation. We carry out regular inspections of all food premises within the District, give advice on all food safety matters including setting up a food business, investigate complaints about premises, people, practices and food, undertake regular sampling of food for bacterial contamination and investigate cases of suspected and confirmed food poisoning. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 12% Maintain 71% Reduce 17%

Seven out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained with the balance being split between Increase and Reduction. Net indication Maintain Environmental Protection Net Budget 2010-11= £460,930. The Environmental Protection team monitors air quality; regulates emissions of smoke, dust and fumes from both domestic and some industrial processes; surveys contaminated land; tackles fly-tipping and other envirocrime; and deals with noise complaints from domestic, commercial, and industrial premises. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 12% Maintain 61% Reduce 27%

Six out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, although three out of ten feel that it should be Reduced and there is some request for an Increase. Net indication Maintain

27

Pests and Rodents Control Net Budget 2010-11= £33,290. The service is provided free of charge in domestic premises for pests considered to be a risk to public health including rats, mice, cockroaches, and bedbugs. A chargeable service is provided for fleas and wasps. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 12% Maintain 76% Reduce 12%

Over seven out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained. The balance are split between an Increase and a Reduction. Net indication Maintain Licensing Net Budget 2010-11= £80,190. The Council is responsible for issuing a wide range of licences and for regulating those persons and premises that have been licensed. Licences are issued in respect of: Taxis and Private Hire vehicles; Sale of alcohol; entertainment on licensed premises; gambling premises; lotteries; pet shops; etc. 32 people offered an opinion: Increase 0% Maintain 81% Reduce 19%

Eight out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, with the balance considering that should be Reduced. Net indication Maintain

28

Contaminated Land Net Budget 2010-11= £1,040. The Council is required to inspect land in the District for contamination and undertake further duties to deal with contaminated land where it has been identified. A strategy was adopted by the Council detailing how the authority will take a rational, ordered and efficient approach to this inspection. 31 people offered an opinion: Increase 0% Maintain 84% Reduce 16%

Over eight out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, with the balance considering that should be Reduced. Net indication Maintain Street Wardens Scheme Net Budget 2010-11= £392,900. The Street Warden Service provides support to vulnerable members of the community; undertakes youth engagement work both in schools and in the community; and supports the work of the Council and its partners in tackling anti-social behaviour. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 15% Maintain 32% Reduce 53%

Half state that the budget for this service should be Reduced, however, almost four out of ten people feel that the current budget should be Maintained and there are requests for an Increase. Net indication Maintain although a Reduction might be acceptable. Comment: Abolish Street Wardens and spend on beat Police Officers instead.

29

CCTV Net Budget 2010-11= £325,760. CCTV Service provided throughout the District to aid in the reduction of crime, domestic violence etc. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 12% Maintain 34% Reduce 54%

Over half state that the budget for this service should be Reduced, however, over a third feel that the current budget should be Maintained and there are requests for an Increase. Net indication Maintain although a Reduction might be acceptable. Comment: CCTV is an intrusion. Homelessness General Net Budget 2010-11= £40,040. This service provides information and advice about housing to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They may be offered temporary accommodation or permanent home. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 18% Maintain 61% Reduce 21%

Six out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, with opinion being otherwise split between Increase and Reduction. Net indication Maintain

30

Cannock Golf Course Net Budget 2010-11= £98,130. Provision and maintenance of an 18 hole municipal golf course 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 0% Maintain 24% Reduce 76%

Three quarters state that the budget for this service should be Reduced. Net indication Reduction Prince of Wales Centre Net Budget 2010-11= £ 390,210. Provision and maintenance of a theatre. 35 people offered an opinion: Increase 14% Maintain 31% Reduce 55%

Over half state that the budget for this service should be Reduced, however, almost a third feel budget should be Maintained and there is call for an Increase. Net indication Maintain although a Reduction might be acceptable. Comment: The Prince of Wales Theatre should not share Civic Centre budgets.

31

Chase Leisure Centre Net Budget 2010-11= £ 1,252,690. Provision and maintenance of a leisure centre, including swimming pool. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 18% Maintain 50% Reduce 32%

Half state that the budget for this service should be Maintained, however, a third feel budget should be Reduced and there is call for an Increase. Net indication Maintain Comment: Some services should be ceased rather than just reduced. For instance leisure facilities could be provided by private sector. Rugeley Leisure Centre Net Budget 2010-11= £806,340. Provision and maintenance of a leisure centre, including swimming pool. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 3% Maintain 65% Reduce 32%

Two thirds state that the budget for this service should be Maintained although a third feel budget should be Reduced. Net indication Maintain

32

Museum of Cannock Chase Net Budget 2010-11= £277,880. Provision and maintenance of a museum. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 27% Maintain 47% Reduce 26%

Opinion is very divided in respect of this service. The balance state that the budget should be Maintained. Net indication Maintain Sports Development Section Net Budget 2010-11= £255,200. Works closely with schools and sports clubs accessing funding to develop a fully inclusive sports programme across the district. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 18% Maintain 41% Reduce 41%

Opinion is equally divided between Maintaining and Reducing this budget and there is call for an Increase. Net indication Maintain

33

Arts Development Section Net Budget 2010-11= £102,600. Works with community groups to use arts as a tool to tackle community issues. 35 people offered an opinion: Increase 23% Maintain 37% Reduce 40%

Opinion is very divided in respect of this service. Four out of ten call for a reduction, however a similar number ask for the budget to be maintained and there is call for an Increase. Net indication Maintain Play Schemes Net Budget 2010-11= £6,370. Provision of an outreach programme promoting the importance of play. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 15% Maintain 55% Reduce 30%

The balance of opinion is that he budget for this service be Maintained although three out of ten state that a Reduction could be made. There is some call for Increase. Net indication Maintain

34

Chase'IT' Net Budget 2010-11= £0. School holiday programme of activities for children and young people. 32 people offered an opinion: Increase 16% Maintain 66% Reduce 19%

Two thirds state that the budget for this service should be Maintained. The balance are divided between Reduction and Increase. Net indication Maintain Markets Net Budget 2010-11= £48,290. Provision of markets and associated shops in Cannock and Rugeley town centres. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 6% Maintain 64% Reduce 30%

Almost two thirds state that the budget for this service should be Maintained although three out of ten state that a Reduction could be made. Net indication Maintain

35

Allotments Net Budget 2010-11= £0. Allotments are available for rent from Cannock Chase Council. They are at various locations in the district. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 26% Maintain 65% Reduce 9%

Two thirds state that the budget for this service should be Maintained with a strong call by a quarter of the sample for an Increase. Net indication Maintain Comment: Increase the number of allotments to counter rising prices of vegetables in the shops. Countryside Management - Services Net Budget 2010-11= £219,250. Management of the natural environment of Cannock Chase District, including two top European designated sites (Special Areas of Conservation), 3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, many Local Nature Reserves, sites of protected or endangered species and sites of biological importance as well as the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Green Belt. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 17% Maintain 68% Reduce 15%

Almost seven out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained. The balance are divided between Reduction and Increase. Net indication Maintain

36

General Public Open Spaces Net Budget 2010-11= £484,820. Maintain and enhance public open spaces. Events and outdoor activities in local parks and public open spaces may be organised by the council. These may be available to local residents, schools or other organisations and are aimed at promoting the facilities of Cannock Chase District and providing education and enjoyment for all. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 6% Maintain 71% Reduce 23%

Seven out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained although almost a quarter are of the opinion that this budget could be Reduced. Net indication Maintain Comment: Do not sell off open spaces and facilities. These and Prince of Wales are vital to quality of life. Parks Net Budget 2010-11= £442,120. Maintain and enhance public open spaces. Events and outdoor activities in local parks and public open spaces may be organised by the council. These may be available to local residents, schools or other organisations and are aimed at promoting the facilities of Cannock Chase District and providing education and enjoyment for all. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 15% Maintain 62% Reduce 23%

Six out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained. There is also call for a Reduction in budget but some are also of the opinion that the budget should be increased. Net indication Maintain Comment: Improve area. Make it attractive to live, work and visit.

37

Recycling Net Budget 2010-11= £689,900. The Council currently provides a green wheelie bin service for the collection of non-recyclable waste which is taken to landfill. To help residents reduce the amount of waste that is taken to landfill the Council provides a kerbside recycling service. This includes blue kerbside boxes and white bags for the segregation and recycling of glass, cans, plastics, paper and cardboard and a brown wheelie bin for the collection of food waste and garden waste. All collections are made on a fortnightly basis. 33 people offered an opinion: Increase 24% Maintain 61% Reduce 15%

Six out of ten state that the budget for this service should be Maintained and almost a quarter call for an Increase in this budget. Net indication Maintain Comment: Council should take profit for recycling and not let a private company have it. Replace blue recycling box with bin as has been trialled and purchase these locally to reduce carbon footprint from Craemer UK in Telford rather than Germany Where are householders supposed to keep three wheelie bins?

38

Refuse Collection Net Budget 2010-11= £1,007,920. Script given: The Council currently provides a green wheelie bin service for the collection of non-recyclable waste which is taken to landfill. To help residents reduce the amount of waste that is taken to landfill the Council provides a kerbside recycling service. This includes blue kerbside boxes and white bags for the segregation and recycling of glass, cans, plastics, paper and cardboard and a brown wheelie bin for the collection of food waste and garden waste. All collections are made on a fortnightly basis. Comment was made by some that the script for Refuse Collection was incorrect, however, this did not deter people from responding to the question. 34 people offered an opinion: Increase 18% Maintain 65% Reduce 17%

Two thirds state that the budget for this service should be Maintained. The balance of opinion is split between Increase and Reduction. Net indication Maintain Bulky Refuse Net Budget 2010-11= £0. Additional collection and disposal service for large items. 30 people offered an opinion: Increase 10% Maintain 84% Reduce 6%

More than eight out of ten desire that the budget for this service be Maintained. Net indication Maintain

39

Comments Several spontaneous comments were made relating to pay and allowances for council officers and members. Reduce pay of senior council managers. Review senior management. Too many chiefs. Freeze or cut wages of senior management and do not cut front line services Many services are essential top line services. Why no option re pay of top managers? Cuts there would ease financial issues. Reduce number of councillors and the pay of council officers, especially those at the top of the council. Spend on front line services that provide actual and visible and meaningful outcomes. Save money by reducing day to day bureaucracy therefore reducing the need to cut services. Look at councillors expenses which vary. Reduce councillors expenses Cap council allowances and give better value for money. Other comments: I would like to see what budgets have actually been spent on over recent years Listen to the public and take their opinions into proper account A review of Benefits systems is required to catch those who abuse the system.

40

SAVINGS OPTIONS Options being considered for a reduction or cessation of funding in the coming financial years. Revise Shopmobility Contract : £30,000 (Saving) The current Shopmobility contract is due for renewal October 2010. This option reviews that contract with a view to providing a similar service for less cost. 33 people offered an opinion: Agree 91% Disagree 9%

Net indication Conclusive Agreement Comment: Support community projects and the disabled and elderly (In Disagreement with the proposal) Counter Services : (Potential saving not yet known) The Counter Services service is to be reviewed with a view to providing a more efficient and wider service to the people of Cannock Chase District. 31 people offered an opinion: Agree 81% Disagree 19%

Net indication Strong Agreement

Review - Streetwarden / Environmental Enforcement : £30,000 (Saving)

Deletion of one vacant Streetwarden post. 34 people offered an opinion: Agree 85% Disagree 15%

Net indication Strong Agreement

41

Car Parks - Charges : £102,000 (Increase in Revenue) With effect from the 1st April, 2011, car park charges are to be increased by 10p. 35 people offered an opinion: Agree 54% Disagree 46%

Net indication Opinion is divided

Community Safety Efficiency Saving : £17,000 (Saving)

Cabinet have requested a Value For Money study of the CCTV function. This review

is expected to deliver savings of £17,000 from 1st April, 2011.

33 people offered an opinion: Agree 91% Disagree 9%

Net indication Conclusive Agreement. Cease Dial-A-Ride : £80,000 (Saving) Since implementation in 2009 the Dial-A-Ride scheme has not been widely used. This option deletes the scheme following the 2009 review. 32 people offered an opinion: Agree 88% Disagree 12%

Net indication Strong Agreement.

Private Sector Partner Options : £380,000 (Saving)

A review is to be undertaken with the view of undertaking the Leisure Service function in conjunction with a Private Sector Partnership (see Growth options). If a

partnership is undertaken, indicative savings of £380,000 per annum are forecast

from 2012-13. 33 people offered an opinion: Agree 76% Disagree 24%

42

Net indication Majority Agreement. Reduce Arts Development Programme : £10,000 (Saving) Reducing the Arts Development Programme will reduce the amount of funding available to deliver a number of community based projects. 35 people offered an opinion: Agree 46% Disagree 54%

Net indication Opinion is Divided Senior Planner - Delete one post : £40,000 Due to the current economic climate the number of Planning applications has dropped. This option prioritises work on planning policy over dealing with planning applications. 33 people offered an opinion: Agree 82% Disagree 18%

Net indication Strong Agreement Comments: Duties of removed posts should be assimilated into existing posts, and consideration given to the duties of each post which becomes vacant so that it is not automatically filled

Reduce Economic Development (Tourism) budget : £5,000 (Saving)

This option will reduce the funding available to support the economy by promoting the District to potential visitors. 34 people offered an opinion: Agree 56% Disagree 44%

Net indication Opinion is Divided

43

Admin post - Economic Development & Property Services - Delete 1 of 2 : £11,000 (Saving) This option reduces 2 posts into 1 to support the Economic Development and Property Services teams. This would result in a considerable amount of support to these teams ceasing. 33 people offered an opinion: Agree 58% Disagree 42%

Net indication Opinion is Divided Market Traders - Cannock Market Hall Reduce Access Hours : £7,000 (Saving) This option ceases access to the Market Hall for traders on a Wednesday, a non-market trading day. The saving would be made on reducing the need for Market Attendant hours. 33 people offered an opinion: Agree 76% Disagree 24%

Net indication Majority Agreement Chase Matters - Cease / Self Fund Publication : £17,000 (Saving) The proposal is to make the Chase Matters publication self funded through selling advertisement space. 33 people offered an opinion: Agree 91% Disagree 9%

Net indication Conclusive Agreement

44

Delete General Fund Contribution to implementation of Homelessness Act. : £7,000 (Saving) The Council would only undertake Homelessness Act (prevention of homelessness etc) services in accordance with grant received from the Government. 31 people offered an opinion: Agree 65% Disagree 35%

Net indication Agreement Other Comments These are good actions.

45

GROWTH OPTIONS Options for improvements to services.

Wheeled Bin Container Provision for Dry Recyclable Waste : £22,200 (Cost)

Provision of a wheeled bin service for dry-side recycling for the residents of the district following the successful trial. 33 people offered an opinion: Agree 79% Disagree 21%

Net indication Majority Agreement Comment: Recycling bin is a great idea. Urban Forestry Strategy : £40,000 (Cost) Part of the Council's Urban Forestry Strategy is currently unfunded. The strategy aims to identify and make more available urban forestry to the people of the District. Please note that this option is not £40k ongoing, but only covers a 3 year period and

requires circa £70k in total.

30 people offered an opinion: Agree 43% Disagree 57%

Net indication Opinion is divided

Bereavement Services Service Plan : £15,000 (Cost)

This option is as a result of a review undertaken of the current Bereavement Services. The funding is for 2 years only (£15k per annum) and covers a number of projects including improvements at Stile Cop cemetery. 32 people offered an opinion: Agree 63% Disagree 38%

Net indication Agreement

46

47

Green Flag Award 2009-10 : £2,200 (Cost) This is for 2010-11 only and covers the currently unfunded elements of the action plan to retain the Green Flag at the Councils Parks. 30 people offered an opinion: Agree 37% Disagree 63%

Net indication Disagreement Comment: Concentrate on Core Services. Green Flag Award is self indulgence. Workforce Development Strategy : £20,000 (Cost) This option will establish a Working With Local People fund to support initiatives designed to encourage the training, employment and upskilling of local people by the Council. 30 people offered an opinion: Agree 53% Disagree 47%

Net indication Opinion is Divided Economic Downturn : £40,000 (Cost) This option is £40k in 2010-11 and £25k per annum thereafter. The money will be used to fund initiatives aimed at those residents and businesses in the district affected by the economic downturn, from dealing with debt to helping the unemployed. 32 people offered an opinion: Agree 69% Disagree 31%

Net indication Agreement

ANNEX 2


NOTES OF THE MEETING OF THE

DELIVERING CHANGE PANEL

MONDAY 11 JANUARY, 2010 AT 4.00 P.M.

IN THE CIVIC CENTRE, BEECROFT ROAD, CANNOCK

PRESENT: Councillors

J. Beddows C. Collis A.F. Bernard D. Mawle J. Bernard P. Williams

Officers Trigg, W.L. Deputy Chief Executive

Kean, R. Head of Financial Management Tunnicliffe, J. Senior Committee Officer Bowker, C. Senior Committee Officer (Observing)

(An apology for absence was received from Councillors N.K. Stanley and Mrs. L. Pearce). 1. Appointment of Chairman Councillor Mrs. P. Williams was appointed Chairman for both Delivering Change Panel

meetings. 2. Declarations of Interests of Members in Contracts and Other Matters and

Restriction on Voting by Members There were no Declarations of Interests declared. 3. Presentation Mr. W.L.Trigg, Deputy Chief Executive reported that the Leader of the Council, Councillor

N.K. Stanley was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment. The Head of Financial Management provided a brief summary for Members on the current budget position, the major issues facing the Council and the financial background to the Consultation Budget. A copy of the Draft Budget Report, Cabinet’s Consultation Budget together with details of each Policy Option had previously been circulated to the Delivering Change Panel, and clarification was provided in relation to any required Option.

4. Delivering Change The Deputy Chief Executive outlined the format of the meeting and reported that Cabinet

would consider the Panel’s recommendations as part of the budget setting process.

Delivering Change Panel-11/01/10 1

ANNEX 2

Mr. W.L. Trigg stated that as in previous years two meetings of the Panel were scheduled.

The initial meeting would focus on a prioritisation exercise of savings issues subject to consultation. The second meeting would be held on Thursday 14 January, 2010 and this would review the feedback from the first meeting and then determine recommendations and consider whether there would be any other options to be proposed to Cabinet for consideration in determining the budget. He then asked Members whether they wished to consider having one meeting today to discuss the Policy Options in light of the previous presentation already received on the Budget position and the information already circulated.

At this point Members of the Panel agreed to have one meeting and cancel the meeting

scheduled for 14 January, 2010. The Deputy Chief Executive then provided Members with an indication of the level of

Council Tax that would be required as reflected in the Consultation Budget and clarification was provided by the Head of Financial Management in relation to potential Council Tax Capping issues. The Panel were therefore asked to determine what they believed to be an acceptable level of Council Tax having taken into account the information previously provided. Following a discussion the Panel considered the increase and were supportive of the 4.9% indicative increase which was reflected in last year’s budget and which had been proposed by Cabinet again this year.

The Deputy Chief Executive provided a brief summary in relation to the Savings Options

subject to consultation and asked the Panel to determine which of the Savings Options they supported.

Savings Options Subject to Consultation – Supported CE01 – Chairman’s AGM Dinner CE05 – Chairman’s Hospitality (The issue was initially deferred pending information on

pricing arrangements for other authorities in relation to Chairman/Mayoral functions. Following receipt of the information the option was supported)

CE07 – Leader’s Hospitality CS04 – Shopmobility Contract (Concern raised regarding access issues for those with

disabilities using the service in Rugeley but noted a report which would be submitted to Cabinet in relation to the Contract )

CS07 – Review of Counter Services Function (Clarification was similarly sought on arrangements for finalising the review and its approval process)

GV02 – Deletion of Long Service Award (Members were supportive of Long service Awards for staff but recognised the financial circumstances the authority now faced. The option of considering awards on an individual basis was discussed, although it was pointed out that the scheme would have to change in order for this to happen).

KL02 – Car Parks – Charges KL03 – Community Safety Efficiency Saving LT01 – Deletion of Discretionary Concessionary Fares – Dial-a-Ride ME04a – Private Sector Partner Options ME07 – Reduce Arts Development Programme


ANNEX 2


PL01 – Senior Planner – Delete one post PL06 – Economic Development (Tourism) budget – Reduce PL07 – Tech Support/Admin posts – Delete 1 of 2 PL09 – Market Traders – Cannock Market Hall reduce Access PR01 – Chase Matters – Self Fund Publications SH02 – Delete GF Contribution Imp’n of Homelessness Act SS01 – Review of Street Warden/Environmental Enforcement Functions The Deputy Chief Executive provided a brief summary in relation to the Growth Options

subject to consultation and asked the Panel to determine which of the Growth Options they supported.

Growth Options Subject to Consultation – Supported KL07 – Wheeled Bin Container Provision for Dry Recyclable KL08 – Urban Forest Strategy KL09 – Bereavement Services Service Plan KL10 – Green Flag Award 2009-10 ME04a – Private Sector Partner Options – CCDC (*) – Costs PL10 – Workforce Development Strategy PL11 – Economic Downturn The Head of Financial Management distributed a schedule of Other Options that had been

considered by Cabinet but not supported in its Consultation Budget Members were asked to consider whether there were any additional options which should

be referred to Cabinet for consideration as part of the budget setting process. Following consideration of this, Members had no further options they wished to put forward.

Members of the Panel then agreed that they supported the Draft General Fund Revenue

Budget as proposed by Cabinet and were advised that Cabinet on 11 February, 2010 would be informed of the decision of the Panel outlined above.

The meeting closed at 5.40 p.m.

cannock chase council cabinet 11 february 2010 … · panel to be 3.2% however their final budget...

Documents