Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council:-

(1)   approve the organisational change programme to deliver a fit for purpose organisation and meet the requirements of the MTFP;

(2)   note that the overall savings targets for each work stream are indicative and where targets are not met, that these will have to be met by compensatory savings in other areas to ensure that the council continues to deliver a balanced budget;

(3)   agree to receive further reports requesting funding at the appropriate time, having noted the budget requirements for delivering the change programme;

(4)   approve the following recommendations from the Discretionary Services Review:-

(a)        a recurring reduction of £171,180 in back office spend for operational budget cut proposals;

(b)        the transfer of £95,370 from the Neighbourhood CIL to resource the Communities element of the Active and Healthy People service, subject to compliance with the provisions of the Community Infrastructure Regulations 2011;

(c)        the business case proposal to remodel the Customer Service Centre, and the permanent deletion of two security and assistance officer posts and one customer service officer post, generating a proposed saving of £86,945, noting that two of the posts are currently vacant; and

(d)        the business case to reduce the opening hours of the underground passages to reduce the operational cost, generating a proposed saving of £45,000.

(5)   note that in relation to recommendation 4, that employees will be consulted on the impact of any changes to their roles and jobs and where the outcome results in any potential redundancies, the consultation will be genuine and meaningful and consultation will be entered into:

·        with a real willingness to listen;

·        an honest preparedness to adjust proposals where considered appropriate;

·        where there is a sufficient level of detail provided; and

·        where there is adequate time made available.

(6)   authorise the relevant Director to consider and agree any alternatives that are reasonable, implementable and deliver the same financial savings required by the business case as part of the consultation process.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which set out how the Council would deliver its organisational change programme, One Exeter, to deliver a fit for purpose organisation which met the savings identified in the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

The Programme had been developed to ensure value for money services would be delivered to meet the objectives as set out in the Corporate Plan 2018-21 and to meet the requirements of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) which had identified a need to deliver a combination of budget reduction and income generation to address a £7.65 million budget shortfall by the end of March 2025.

The report detailed proposed changes for 2022/23 in discretionary services taking into account corporate priorities and overall impacts on service delivery and non-discretionary areas. Further development of digitalisation and increased commercial activity would also be significant elements in the change programme.

Particular reference was made to the consultation with staff and union on the proposed work programme and the development of a Communication Plan to ensure all staff and stakeholders, including Members, were kept informed on the progress of the work programme.

The commitment from staff was recognised as being vital and there would be continued engagement with staff focus groups, liaison with the Trade Union and a Staff Sounding Board would be established to gain further input. Members noted that the Programme would be delivered via the Operational Management Board, supported by the One Exeter Programme Steering Group (PSG)

During discussion the following points were made:-

·        the changes were necessary in response to the level of Central Government reductions to Local Government necessitating creative solutions, and the work involved was a large undertaking. The scope of the work identified and the intention to engage Council staff and their response was inspiring;

·        the Council had introduced flexible working prior to the Covid Pandemic which had put it in a good position to bring forward changes in response to the budget shortfall and to drive more efficient ways of working; and

·        staff well-being was a priority in the change programme.

The Leader thanked the Deputy Chief Executive and the PSG for their work on the One Exeter programme.

RECOMMENDED that Council:-

(1)   approve the organisational change programme to deliver a fit for purpose organisation and meet the requirements of the MTFP;

(2)   note that the overall savings targets for each work stream are indicative and where targets are not met, that these will have to be met by compensatory savings in other areas to ensure that the council continues to deliver a balanced budget;

(3)   agree to receive further reports requesting funding at the appropriate time, having noted the budget requirements for delivering the change programme;

(4)   approve the following recommendations from the Discretionary Services Review:-

(a)        a recurring reduction of £171,180 in back office spend for operational budget cut proposals;

(b)        the transfer of £95,370 from the Neighbourhood CIL to resource the Communities element of the Active and Healthy People service, subject to compliance with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19