ashfield citizens’ panel · respond to local needs, but which also generate ... the local...
TRANSCRIPT
Introductions
Joanne Froggatt – Corporate Performance ManagerDave Greenwood – Deputy Chief ExecutiveJustin Henry – Commercialism Manager
Values
• Behave openly and honestly - there are no hidden agendas, but we all need to respect confidentiality
• Behave towards one another in a positive, respectful and non-discriminatory manner
• Recognise that time is valuable and that others may have other commitments
• Encourage openness and the ability for everyone to take part
We can’t take on individual complaints or matters that don’t relate to a Panel topic.
Non-panel issues should be referred throughCustomer services.
The budget survey
• The budget consultation ran from 31 October 2016 to 12 December 2016.
• Thirty questions on savings and income generation.
• The survey could be completed online or hard copy.
• The aim was to find budget reductions of £670k each year.
Government funding cuts 2010 ‐ 2020
The survey questions
• The Council’s strategy.• New business ventures.• Technology.• Leisure provision.• Community engagement.• Future of Selston golf course.• Recycling glass.• Investing.
The response
• We received over 1,070 responses.• Many responses also included comments and feedback.• Responses are helping the Council to decide how to meet big financial challenges.
Strategy response74% strongly agreed or agreed with the Council’s strategy to meet the financial challenge:• Invest in new business ventures and services which
respond to local needs, but which also generate additional income to help meet reductions in our government funding;
• Review all existing services over five years to ensure they are efficient and meeting customer needs, making efficiency savings where we can;
• Introduce technology to reduce our costs and make the Council as efficient as possible;
• Review and consolidate our buildings, sharing with other public sector partners where possible to reduce costs;
• Review our procurement of goods and services to ensure we are cutting the costs for utilities and consumables;
• Invest in green technology and power to reduce our energy costs.
Technology response
• Almost three‐quarters of responders supported modernising Council payments, with 73% of those responding either strongly agreeing or agreeing.
• Cabinet has approved plans to modernise cash collection to include direct debit, cash payments via Pay Point, electronic and telephone cash payments.
• Also approved the development of a timetable for the ending of direct cash collection through Council offices and to set up a project to ensure that residents are fully supported through the process of change.
Saving £92k
Recycling glass response
• 61% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the proposal.
• Cabinet has agreed to move to replace the blue box with a wheelie bin on an 8‐weekly collection cycle.
• new bins will be a lot easier to move, won’t leak like the current boxes, are safer for storing glass and have more capacity (140L).
Saving £50k
Leisure response
• 78% strongly agree or agree with the Council’s vision for leisure.
• Considering consultation responses to the Edgewood Leisure centre proposal, there are no plans to close or make changes to how Edgewood is run.
Huthwaite
• Expressions of interest have been sought.
• The council will evaluate any business plans submitted to see if there are any suitable options for the future of the site.
• If an alternative is not found, the site will be closed at the completion of the leisure contract notice period and a site options appraisal will be undertaken for its disposal.
Saving £80k
Selston golf course response
• 56% of responses preferred the option to hand over to an alternative provider.
• The site is owned by Nottinghamshire County Council and leased to Ashfield District Council.
• Any decision to lease to a new provider must be taken by the County Council.
• Cabinet has agreed to formally advise Nottinghamshire County Council that Ashfield District Council is prepared to surrender its lease for the site should an alternate provider be found.
Saving £70k
Further cuts…
• In December 2016 the government announced that the ‘new homes bonus’ paid to local councils would be cut.
• Ashfield District Council was also informed that its contributions to the local government pension scheme would increase.
• This means we must save even more than originally planned – £1m worth of cuts in 2017/18.
Next steps …
• £1m of further savings required in 2018/19• The Council is starting to work on these now, to gain some additional benefit in 2017/18
• Areas we will be focussing on:• Reviewing services to ensure no duplication and to ensure joined up customer service
• Improving how we use IT• Further reducing our office space• A range of commercial initiatives…
What is “Commercialism”
Value for Money
Thinking & Doing
differently
Generating New
Income
In short, Commercialism is the approach we have adopted to protect services for our residents and communities.
A Magic Pill?
Budget Survey 2016
• Public support positive on many topics, but split on others.• What should a Council do / not do?• What is the best mix of ideas?