Issue - meetings

Councillor AG Orgee introduced this update on the Council’s efficiency savings project, by explaining that although substantial savings had been made, there was a still a funding gap and it was becoming increasingly difficult to find further efficiencies and savings of the levels required to bridge this gap in the General Fund.

The Chief Executive reported that the Council’s Internal Auditors, RSM Bentley Jennison, had proposed that they ascertain whether further savings could be made through an E-auction process, whereby all contracts would be put out to tender. This suggestion had the potential to identify significant savings and would be considered by the Executive Management Team.

Cabinet NOTED the funding gaps and the actions being taken to address them.

Cabinet ENDORSED the recommendation that the amount to be forecast for NI179 be 3% for 2008/09 and 2% for 2009/10 and 2010/11.

Cabinet ENDORSED the recommendation that the amount to be forecast for NI179 be 3% for 2008/09 and 2% for 2009/10 and 2010/11. 

The Finance Portfolio Holder presented this item, which provided Cabinet with an update on the Council’s efficiency savings project and Central Government’s expectations and targets for efficiencies within local authorities.  He advised that the report highlighted excellent performance and that he regarded the targets for the coming years as realistic.

The Finance Portfolio Holder requested that Cabinet agree the forecast for the National Indicator 179 (NI 179)

Concern was expressed that the Cabinet was looking to set targets when there was no requirement to do so.

The Finance Portfolio Holder replied that he was seeking to embed a culture that embraced continual improvement and new ways of working.  Although savings had been made he considered it important to continue to do so, adding that it would be difficult to justify otherwise publicly.  Such a policy was particularly important given the Council’s budgetary pressures.

The Deputy Leader undertook to provide a written answer to a question posed in respect of the proposed efficiency target on customer service standards.

Cabinet ENDORSED the recommendation that the amount to be forecast for NI179 be 3% for 2008/09 and 2% for 2009/10 and 2010/11.