Period 9 2011/12 (11 December 2011)
REVENUE
Revenue Projected Revised Annual Variance Budget (favourable) / £m adverse £m 1.667 0.150 8.790 0.000 63.895 (0.244) 23.688 0.031 (0.099) 13.918 65.730 (1.006)
Resources PPP Schools Community Support Facilities Management Social Work
Educational & Social Services
177.688
(1.168)
Key Points: Resources The variance relates to additional teaching costs in relation to the annual Pupil Roll Adjustment, following the school census in September 2011. Social Work The re-ablement activities that are being rolled out across the service have resulted in a reduction in residential and nursing placements. While this may result in increased care at home costs, an underspend is currently also projected in this area even allowing for an element of increased costs. Savings associated with the timing of filling vacancies associated with the Children and Families service redesign contribute around £0.520m to the projected favourable variance. There is an underspend of £0.115m in the Equipment and Adaptations budget. This is as a result of a range of operational issues across departmental services including contractual arrangements, the impact of asbestos screening, assessment and service delivery capacity (installation work). This variance is offset by reduced income from the Housing Revenue Account. The Head of Community Care, Head of Housing and Head of Corporate Infrastructure are reviewing and will meet with senior officers to develop an action plan to address these issues. There is an adverse variance within the Transport Costs budget of the Children and Families Service, arising from the use of taxis to transport children to school, meetings and visits. The Executive Director has initiated a review of the use of taxis across the department. There are currently no secure accomodation placements and this position has been assumed to continue to 31 March 2012. Central Management Support Finance Human Resources Corporate Infrastructure Democratic Services Legal, Procurement & Regulatory Council Tax HB/CTB HB/CT Benefit Subsidy Debt Charges
0.168 2.537 2.615 10.934 3.890 2.783 (48.687) 50.539 (50.280) 19.451
0.000 (0.275) (0.012) 0.327 (0.163) (0.103) 0.456 0.000 (0.310) 0.000
Finance & Corporate Support
(6.050)
(0.080)
1
Revenue Key Points: Finance There are a number of vacancies pending implementation of the management review. Additional benefits grants have been received from the DWP in relation to legislative changes. Corporate Infrastructure The variance relates to the timing of fees from work in respect of the capital programme, partly offset by vacancies pending the implementation of the management review. The Property Maintenance budget is anticipated to be fully committed, and while the level of repairs committed but incomplete at the year end is not yet quantifiable, it is likely to be significant and would require to be earmarked to complete the repairs in 2012/13. Democratic Services Vacancies within the Policy, Planning and Performance division and a reduction in Local Area grants have resulted in a favourable variance. Legal, Procurement & Regulatory Additional income to cover Licencing Board expenses and reduced expenditure principally on Tobacco Sales Enforcement, Chemist and ASB Night Noise are partly offset by the costs of a temporary solicitor and other service expenditure. Projected Revised Annual Variance Budget (favourable) / £m adverse £m 0.437 (0.052) 10.915 (0.026) 0.054 (0.003) 24.931 0.000 3.622 (0.239) 12.955 0.002 (0.079) 9.902
Central Management Support Leisure Services Emergency Planning Police & Fire Planning & Economic Development Roads & Transportation General Fund Housing
Neighbourhood Services
62.816
(0.397)
Key Points: Central Management Support The variance principally reflects a reduction in office administration costs. Planning & Economic Development The variance principally relates to the new Employability contract which commenced in July 2011. There was limited training in place for the July - September period, and administrative arrangements required to be put in place around agreeing contracts. This is partly offset by an adverse variance in relation to building warrant fee income of £0.218m. The timing issues around the Employability contract will require the department to earmark an estimated £0.423m at the year end. Notwithstanding the in-year line by line adjustments there remains an issue with income relating to Planning Fees and Building Warrant Fees.
Central Services NET EXPENDITURE 2
7.464
(0.025)
241.918
(1.670)
Revenue Projected Revised Annual Variance Budget (favourable) / £m adverse £m Funded by Aggregate external finance Transfer from Capital Fund Contribution from Repairs and Renewals Utilisation of Previous Years Balances
(238.800) (1.000) (2.500) (4.153)
0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
(246.453)
0.000
0.000
(1.670)
Transfer to uncommitted general fund
(4.535)
0.000
Housing Revenue Account Expenditure Income
46.057 (46.057)
(2.780) 0.780
0.000
(2.000)
Total Income Surplus for the year - departmental c/fwd
Net Expenditure Key Points:
Housing Revenue Account The expenditure variance includes £1.300m budgeted for in relation to a legal settlement. This however was charged to the HRA in the previous financial year and is therefore no longer required for this purpose. In addition, changes to the Housing Capital programme due to asbestos related issues and reprioritisation of maintenance work has resulted in expenditure being incurred later than planned. The reprioritisation of maintenance work and changes to the capital programme has resulted in projected income (recharge to capital) being under recovered by £0.920m, partly offset by an insurance recovery of £0.188m in relation to frost damage repair work undertaken last winter.
Opening Balances £m General Fund Balances Uncommitted Committed and Departmental
Total
Projected Movement £m
Projected Closing Balance £m
(11.150) (17.348)
(6.441) 4.389
(17.591) (12.959)
(28.498)
(2.052)
(30.550)
(1.397)
(2.000)
(3.397)
HRA Balances
Total (all uncommitted)
3
Savings Fully met
Current Status 85%
In Progress
8%
Unmet 7%
Unmet Savings Departments require to find alternative savings to offset any unmet savings. Cabinet approval will be required where service levels are affected.
Saving
Achieved To Date
Educational & Social Services Change advertising arrangements to reduce advertising costs for teachers £ 17,250 £ 11,250 posts Comment: There was a slight delay in advertising promoted posts on the MyJobScotland portal. This is now in place - estimated shortfall of £6,000 due to timing. Deletion of 16+ Learning Choices Co-ordinator post, following cessation of £ 18,055 external funding support Comment: Postholder retired in August rather than March - saving will not be achieved as a result of timing delay. Review of day services including redesigned management arrangements from £ 200,000 £ 25,000 3 to 2 teams and utilise new Kilmarnock facility to provide more efficient and effective models of support. Comment: The original saving relates to set up of new day care centre which will not occur until 2013. Offsetting savings have been realised in other areas of the budget. Relocate Muirkirk Nursery Class into Muirkirk Primary School and close £ 11,369 £ Muirkirk Nursery Class Building from August 2011, subject to all necessary statutory consultations. C Comment: t A reportt on the th consultation lt ti process was approved d by b C Cabinet bi t on 31 A Augustt 2011 2011. Th The consultation ended on 28 October 2011, and a report is being presented to Cabinet on 25 January. £ 50,000 £ Review Youth Work Provision across the authority Comment: An option appraisal is currently being undertaken. Any recommendations made are unlikely to achieve the full saving in the current year. Reduce the number of classroom assistant numbers by 10 FTE in academic £ 91,000 £ session 2011/12 Comment: The number of classroom assistants is being carefully monitored and has reduced overall in the last 3 years. The variable factor remains the need to respond to individual children's needs which emerge in any one year. Managers continue to take action reduce the number in the long term.
Finance & Corporate Support £ 100,000 £ 50,000 Surplus Property security costs Comment: Closure of Lugar offices was originally anticipated for September 2011, but will now remain open until February 2012. Security costs have already reduced and this will continue - it is expected that £50k will be realised in the current year.
Neighbourhood Services £ 28,540 £ Additional Income from parking charges (car parks) Comment: There has been a 10% reduction in car park usage from last year, which is broadly similar to other authorities who were contacted. There are no concerns with enforcement with an increase in notices issued compared to last year. Increase parking charges for on-street parking from 15 pence to 20 pence per £ 52,190 £ quarter hour Comment: 10% reduction in on-street usage. Regular meetings are held with the Police who report an increased level of enforcement action compared to 2010/11. £ 55,120 £ Introduce standard charging for all bulky uplifts Comment: New charges became effective 1 April 2011. Current projections suggest the increased income target will not be met. Charges will be removed with effect from 1 April 2012. The addition of the "classroom assistants" line is the only change from the period 7 position 4
CAPITAL PROGRAMME
Capital Budget Expenditure Allocation to Date (£m) (£m)
Educational & Social Services Darvel Primary School and Nursery School Flowerbank Nursery Kilmarnock Area Day Centre Willowbank School New Cumnock Nursery and Primary School Patna / St Xavier’s Primary Schools Co-location Littlemill Primary School Sorn Primary School Gargieston Primary School Auchinleck Community Facilities School - Knockroon Galston Community Facilities Galston Office Facilities Galston TCRF Benrig Children's House General Projects
Forecast Expenditure (£m)
Current Milestone
5.000
1.721
5.000
1.750 2.500 10.000
0.018 0.009 2.562
1.750 2.500 10.000
9.600
1.180
9.600
Construction
10.000
3.735
10.000
Construction
1.320 1.100 12.000 4.900 10.500 1.000 2.800 0.605 1.210 1.643
0.197 0.409 2.934 0.157 0.000 0.275 0.046 0.559 1.133 0.594
1.320 1.100 12.000 4.900 10.500 1.000 2.800 0.605 1.210 1.687
Construction
Status
Construction Design/Tender Design/Tender Construction
Construction Construction Tender Development
N/A
Construction Tender Complete Complete N/A
N/A
Key Points: Flowerbank Nursery The delay on the Willowbank School is being monitored closely to determine the overall impact on progress with regard to the Flowerbank Nursery project. Timescales will require to be revised from those previously outlined however final determination of these will be dependent on progress with the Willowank School during the winter period. Willowbank School Construction of the floor slab has been completed; external blockwork is on-going. Secondary steelwork for roof is on-going with the remainder of roof works due to start shortly. Work is currently behind schedule, however it is anticipated that the building will be wind and water tight by March 2012 which would then potentially allow acceleration of internal works. This is dependent on favourable weather conditions and progress during the winter period. Auchinleck Community Facilities Tender awarded 20 December 2011. Currently anticipated that works will commence on site 27 February 2012 following completion of ground investigation works, with all construction works completed by May 2013. Demolition works have been completed. Galston Office Facilities Tender documents have been returned and a preferred contractor identified. However, final award cannot be made until issues relating to the access / lease arrangements and common repairs for shared premises are resolved. The start date for construction works will be determined once the agreement of all interested parties has been secured.
5
Capital Budget Expenditure Allocation to Date (£m) (£m)
Finance & Corporate Support Council Chambers/Data Centre/London Road HQ General Projects Neighbourhood Services Palace Theatre / Grand Hall Stewarton Sports Facilities Kilmarnock Athletics Facilities Depot Improvements Dean Road Bridge Kilmarnock Town Centre Regeneration (Johnnie Walker Bond) Kilmarnock Town Centre Regeneration (Civic Centre) Kilmarnock Town Centre Regeneration (Opera House) Cumnock Town Centre (Office) Cumnock Town Centre (Retail)
Forecast Expenditure (£m)
Current Milestone
4.075
4.081
4.081
Complete
1.509
1.231
2.339
N/A
3.281 4.300 6.525 5.600 1.000
2.304 3.531 4.353 1.326 0.057
3.281 4.300 6.525 5.600 1.150
Construction
3.500
3.722
4.000
Complete
6.410
0.349
6.410
Development
8.413
0.036
8.413
Construction
10.500 3.466
7.976 2.143
10.300 4.142
Construction
Council House Building Prog. (Ph 2)
3.000
3.556
3.600
Complete
Council House Building Prog. (Ph 3)
1.000
0.976
1.000
Construction
General Projects Housing Investment Programme
12.492 12.345
4.887 7.030
11.021 14.638
Status
N/A
Construction Construction Development Tender
Land Acquisition
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Key Points: Palace Theatre / Grand Hall All major roof and stonework repairs are completed with the exception of some minor works to the ground floor areas. Scaffolding has also been removed. It is currently anticipated that all final internal works will be completed by January / February 2012. Stewarton Sports Facilities The building was handed over by the contractor on 21 December 2011, approximately 2 weeks ahead of original programme. The facility opened to the public over the weekend of 14/15 January, with the formal opening due to have taken place on 19 January. Kilmarnock Athletics Facilities Adverse weather conditions have caused some delays to construction. Every effort is being made to absorb the delays during the remainder of the programme, however this is dependent on favourable weather during the winter period. Blockwork to the main building and external works are on-going. Dean Road Bridge Tender documents have been returned and checked, however the award of contract has been held pending resolution of all outstanding issues relating to access to private gardens. Construction start anticipated for January 2012 with completion by July 2012. Cumnock Town Centre (Retail) The project team continues to try to attract an anchor tenant for the proposed development. Projected costs for land assembly and other initial expenses are currently in excess of the original allocation; a further £0.280m £0 280m incurred by the Joint Venture company may also potentially be required to be met from revenue budgets. While the intention is to sell the new development on completion to recoup building costs, the level of recovery will depend on the number and quality of tenants attracted. A further update will be provided by the Depute Chief Exceutive / Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services before the end of the financial 6 year.
PEOPLE
People Headcount Qtr2 2011 Chief Executive’s Office and Internal Audit Finance & Corporate Support. Educational & Social Services (LGE). Educational & Social Services (Teachers). Neighbourhood Services.
12 534 3,055 1,478 1,406
East Ayrshire Council
6,485
% Working Days Lost Status November 2011 0.6% 4.7% 6.1% 3.0% 5.1% 5.1%
Headcount 8,000
6,586
6,590
6,648
6,617
6,507
6,485
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
6,000 4,000 2,000 0
2010/11
2011/12
Leavers as a Percentage of Employees 5.0% 4.0%
3.4%
2.0%
3.2%
2.9%
3.0% 1.6%
1.5%
1.5%
1.0% 0.0% Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Quarter 1
2010/11
Quarter 2 2011/12
Vacancies Advertised Q2 2011/12 Internal only External and internal Total
21 44 65 Q2 2011/12
Disciplinary Action:
Chief Executive's Office Finance and Corporate Support Educational and Social Services N i hb h d Services S i Neighbourhood Total
Verbal / Written 0 1 1 7 9
Final
Dismissal
Other
0 0 2 3 5
0 0 0 1 1
0 0 1 1 2
7
People Percentage of Working Days Lost (Council Wide) 6.0% 5.0% 4.0% 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Short Term
Sep
Long Term
Oct
Nov
Target
Dec
Jan
YTD 2011/12
Feb
Mar
2009/10
Top 5 Reasons for Absence (Council Wide) - November 2011 30.0%
21.9% 20.0%
16.1%
14.3% 7.4%
10.0%
6.7% %
0.0% Colds/Flu
Stomach/Abdominal
Musculoskeletal
Operations/Recover y/Treatment
Stress/Debility – Personal
Occupational Health Referrals Nov
17
Oct
1
13
Sep
0
11
Aug
22 14
34
4 16
30 2
Jul 18
May
9
Apr
5
2 1
0
38
11
23
Jun
35
40 5
14
2
33 35
27
15
47 29
10
20
Short Term New Referral
33 30
40
50
Short Term Ongoing
60
Long Term New Referral
70
80
90
Long Term Ongoing
Key Points: The strike day held on 30 November 2011 has been excluded from these statistics to allow for comparison with previous months. months Inclusion of the strike day would increase the November absence rate from 5.1% 5 1% to 7.5%. 7 5% The Managing Absence Policy and Procedures is currently being reviewed. This involves benchmarking against best in class comparators to identify opportunities for improvement. 8
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and Safety Non Reportable Incidents 800 600 400 200 0
84 96 157 Q1
136 81
91 168
134
242
232
235
83 117 180
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
182
2010/11
99 125
99 137
238
237
Q2
Q3
2011/12
Non Reportable ‐ Employees
Non Reportable ‐ Pupil Injuries
Non Reportable ‐ Others
Key Points: As incidents are not necessarily reported to the Health and Safety Section before the quarterly statistics are produced, historic Health & Safety statistics require to be recalculated at the end of each quarter. As a result, historic information is subject to a degree of change. In terms of non reportable incidents, the top three causes of incidents account for 70% of all incidents. These were Violence and Aggression (162 incidents); Slip / Trip and Fall (105 incidents) and Step On / Striking Object (65 incidents). R Reportable t bl Incidents I id t 25 20 15 10 5 0
1 3
1
2 8
11
14
Q1
Q2
Q3
1 2 4 9 Q4
2010/11
2 4
1
1 1 1 3
14
16
13
Q1
Q2
Q3
2011/12
RIDDOR ‐ Employee Injuries
RIDDOR ‐ Pupil Injuries
RIDDOR ‐ Reportable Diseases
RIDDOR ‐ Dangerous Occurrences
RIDDOR ‐ Others Injuries
RIDDOR - The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
Key Points: There were 19 reportable incidents in Quarter 3 of 2011/12. The causes of the 19 incidents were as follows: Slip, Trip and Fall (8 incident); Lifting/Moving and Handling (2 incidents); Step On/Striking Object (2 incidents); Physical Exercise (2 incident); Falling Object (1 incident); Vehicle (2 incidents); Dangerous Occurrence (1 incident) and Hand Tool / Equipment (1 incident). There was 1 dangerous occurrence reported during quarter 3. The Health and Safety Section continues to work closely with Services and establishments who report a high number of incidents, in identifying management action that is being taken in an effort to reduce the number of incidents; this includes implementation of tailored remedial actions, training courses and toolbox talks.
9
Health and Safety Location of Incidents (Qtr 3 2011) 54.9%
60.0% 40.0%
28.3%
20.0%
6.5%
4.3%
3.7%
2.4%
0.0% Sheltered Housing
Social Work establishments
Other
Council offices
Leisure Facilities and public places
Educational establishments
Violence & Aggression Reporting (Apr '09 to Dec '11) 100 80 60 40 20 0
2011/12 Q2
2011/12 Q3
Average number of Days to Report an Incident
7.8
9.3
9.1
Unannounced visits undertaken
97
211
175
Number of Incident Investigations
19
19
18
77%
95%
100%
69%
70%
77%
1147
718.5
528*
199
321
372
% of properties with a Fire Risk Assessment % of training identified which has been completed Number of days lost to work related stress absence Number of managers and supervisors completed Stress Management Course
Dec‐‐11
Nov‐‐11
Oct‐11
Sep‐11
Aug‐‐11
Jul‐1 11
11 Jun‐1
May‐11
Apr‐11
Mar‐‐11
Feb‐11
Jan‐1 11
Dec‐‐10
Nov‐‐10
Oct‐10
Sep‐10
Aug‐‐10
Jul‐1 10
10 Jun‐1
May‐10
Apr‐10
Mar‐‐10
Feb‐10
Jan‐1 10
Dec‐‐09
Nov‐‐09
09 Oct‐0
Sep‐09
Aug‐‐09
Jul‐0 09
09 Jun‐0
May‐09
Apr‐0 09
2011/12 Q1
* October and November absence stats only.
Key Points: The Council is currently strengthening its Health and Safety Performance Management Reporting Framework based on the Ralston Review (2009) and the draft performance matrix developed by the West of Scotland Health and Safety Forum. The new framework will improve the current Health and Safety reporting arrangements, particularly with regard to reporting processes, procedures and management action. This section of East Ayrshire Performs will be revised early in 2012 to reflect the revised reporting framework. Health and Safety operational arrangements have been reviewed and a new structure agreed by Cabinet on 9 November 2011. 10
BUSINESS BRIEFINGS
Business Briefing Educational & Social Services Percentage of school leavers in positive and sustained destinations
Period
Target
Result
2010/11
86%
88.4%
Status
Key Points: Increasing numbers of school leavers are now moving on to positive destinations in Education, Training or Employment. Despite large decreases in the number of young people leaving school and entering employment the overall number of young people in positive destinations has improved dramatically from 76% in 2003 to 88.4% in 2010 and 2011. The number of young people who leave school and are unemployed seeking work has also fallen continuously from 20% in 2003 to 10% in 2011. The successes have been achieved by schools working with a range of partners including Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Kilmarnock and Ayr Colleges, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Third Sector groups. Schools identify young people at risk of not moving on to a positive destination as early as S1 and ensure that a range of supports are available to help the young people to sustain their attendance and achievement in school. As the young people approach school leaving age they are supported by school staff and a range of partners to select and move on to an appropriate destination in Employment, Education or Training. The follow-up leaver destinations exercise is completed annually by SDS and measures the sustainability of initial school leaver destinations after nine months. The results of the 2010/11 followup, expected in June 2012, will be reported in East Ayrshire Performs during 2012. Period
Target
Result
Nov 2011
92%
94%
Nov 2011
85%
85%
P9 2011 (YTD)
75.0%
76.6%
Nov 2011
74.0%
68.9%
Finance & Corporate Support Percentage of benefits claims processed accurately. Percentage of benefits claims processed within 14 days Percentage of Council Tax received. Percentage of Consumer Complaints completed within 14 days
11
Status
Business Briefing Key Points: The accuracy of benefits claims processing is above the target level of 92% for the third month in a row. This reflects the efforts made within the service to ensure that employees are aware of errors occurring on a regular basis through staff training sessions. The number of complaints processed within 14 days met the target of 85% during November and this is the second consecutive month where performance has improved. The percentage of Council Tax received is broadly consistent with the percentage collected at the same time last year. The Trading Standards Service indicator in respect of consumer complaints completed within 14 days has improved compared to the previous month, but is still below the target level of 74%. It is important to note however, that as complaints become more complex, it takes longer to resolve them and becomes more difficult to increase the percentage completed within 14 days. The Management Review in respect of Democratic Services will be reported to Cabinet on 8 February 2012. All other management reviews within the Department have been completed and approved by Elected Members. Implementation of the agreed changes has been taking place and appointments have rcently been made to the post of Policy, Planning and Performance Manager and senior posts within Corporate Infrastructure.
Neighbourhood Services Number of attendances at all leisure facilities Car Parking Revenue Percentage of housing repairs completed first time Salt Stock
Period
Target
Result
P9 2011 P9 2011 P9 2011 P9 2011
140,000 £749,340 95% 8,000
143,727 £670,049 95.8% 9,530
Status
Key Points: Visits to East Ayrshire Leisure Services facilities are up by 4.5% at 1,240,921 in year to date in 2011/12 compared to 1,185,747 in the same period in 2010/11. This has been achieved through an innovative and extensive programme of events and activities for residents and visitors. This year’s annual Fireworks Display at Kay Park, Kilmarnock was a great success and was attended by a record crowd who on the night donated £5,739 towards the event. At the beginning of winter 2011/12, the Roads & Transportation Service had 11,500 tonnes of salt in stock for winter maintenance, as at P9 2011/12 the salt stock is 9,530 tonnes. In comparison, during the winter of 2010/11, which was the harshest winter in 40 years, a total of 10,440 tonnes of salt was used for winter maintenance. As at P9 2011/12 the Roads Service has resurfaced 17km of road as part of the ongoing structural maintenance programme and an additional 26km of road has been resurfaced as part of the frost damage road repair programme, in response to last winter’s severe weather. The Housing Service has received confirmation from the Scottish Government that the Council’s fourth phase submission for the sum of £0.300m for the provision of a further ten new Council houses has been approved. The ten proposed additional new, affordable houses will be developed on the site adjacent to the new Children’s House development at Grassyards Road, Kilmarnock, and have been identified specifically to meet the needs of a growing older population. Work on site is due to start in March 2012.
12
RISK REGISTER
Risks Risk No.
Risk
Risk Owner
1a
Executive Economic climate Director of The level of grant funding available in the Finance and Corporate future will not support Support existing service levels.
1b
Economic climate Executive The current economic Director of position will have an Finance and impact on the income Corporate collected by the Support Council
1c
Economic climate The local economic position will have a direct impact on the residents of East Ayrshire and their demand for Council services.
Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Support
2
Depute Health and Safety Chief Exec / implementation of new Executive arrangements fails to Director of adequately address Neighbourho risk. od Services
3
Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults individuals are not adequately protected.
4
Financial Risk - Equal Head of Pay and Equal Value Human Claims will have a Resources significant financial impact on the Council
5
Fraud and misappropriation of council resources the Council is faced with financial loss through fraudulent activities.
Executive Director of Educational and Social Services
Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Support
Overall Risk We consider the overall risk rating to be Medium as there remains uncertainty within the United Kingdom as to the longer term impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review on Public Sector finance across Scotland. Reviews of existing structures / financial controls / service delivery models are ongoing to mantain strong financial management across the Council. The Council's efficiency strategy sets out key actions to manage this risk with the 2012/13 budget recently agreed by the Council. Work has commenced on the development of medium and long term financial strategies designed to ensure a sustainable platform on which to deliver services within available resources Amber We consider the overall risk to be Medium as the recent reforms to benefits and forthcoming job losses in the area could have a severe impact across council services. The anticipated downturn has been reflected in Council budgets with an income contingency identified for 2012/13. Financial inclusion services are being redesigned to minimise the impact on individuals. Amber We consider the overall risk to be Medium as the recent changes to benefits and forthcoming job losses in the area could have a serious impact across council services. With regard to SOA commitments, the Community Planning Partnership Board reviews progress on an annual basis - Council agreed the 2010/11 annual performance report at their September meeting; service structures are being redesigned to reflect changing workloads; Economic Development activities are being strengthened to nurture and develop local businesses and maintain / grow local jobs. Amber The overall risk is Medium recognising that there has been an increase in focus on Health and Safety. Failure in this area would have significant consequences for employees, service users and the Council. We have arrangements in place to manage health and safety across the Council - these are kept under constant review. Strengthened operational arrangements were agreed by Cabinet on 9 November, and are now in the implementation phase. Amber The overall risk is Medium - the impact for individuals could be severe and would adversely impact on the Council’s reputation. These areas of activity are subject to regular scrutiny and review. Sustainability actions will allow this risk to be proactively managed. Amber We consider the overall risk to be Medium as there remains an element of uncertainty in respect of the total expected cost of resolving these, and potential future claims. A reasonable provision has been identified to fund claims which are being managed by the Council with its external advisers. Amber The overall risk is Medium as the nature of the activity is such that new attacks are increasingly likely. Enhanced procedures are in place to prevent and detect fraud, these were recently escalated and are kept under constant review, especially in light of information received from colleagues in other areas and anti-fraud networks. Amber
13