Decision

(1)     That the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board is assured that there is a clear plan, underpinned by data, for the Council’s Budget 2024/25.

(2)     That the Cabinet and the Executive team review the proposals for Borough Economy again to ensure the assumptions upon which they are based are robust and take account of the missed income targets from 2023/24.

(3)     That the Cabinet and Executive team review:-

(a)     Council, the Housing Revenue Account, Capital Programme, Public Health and Sandwell Children’s Trust contracts and agreements to ensure they are fit for purpose, take a whole-council approach to meeting the Council’s strategic objectives and represent value for money;

(b)     contract monitoring management processes to ensure they are robust and ensure value for money.

(4)     That the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board consider reports within the next three months on detailed proposals to achieve savings in:-

(a)          Children’s External Educational and Care Placements; and

(b)          Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Transport.

(5) That the following topics be included on the work programme of the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board:-

(a)          the customer journey;

(b)          the effect on performance and sickness levels of reduced budgets;

(c)          funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector.

(6) That, in connection with (2) and (3) above, a further report be submitted to the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board, within 2 months’ time, on the decision of Cabinet.