The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of Doncaster Council met on Thursday, 20 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the Corporate Plan for 2024/25 and the Mayor's Budget proposals for 2024/25 to 2027/28. The committee also reviewed the Quarter 3 Finance and Performance Improvement Report and received updates on various strategic initiatives.

Corporate Plan 2024/25

The committee reviewed the Corporate Plan 2024/25, which outlines the council’s priorities and headline activities for the upcoming year. The plan is linked to the Team Doncaster Borough Strategy, Doncaster Delivering Together (DDT), and its Great 8 priorities. Key discussions included:

• Delivery of Ambitious Targets: The committee acknowledged the challenges of delivering ambitious targets with reduced resources and emphasised the importance of effective partnerships.
• Promoting the Corporate Plan to Staff: Various communication mechanisms, such as the Chief Executive’s weekly blog and face-to-face briefings, were noted.
• Supporting Employment for Those with Additional Needs: The committee highlighted the council's status as a disability-confident employer and discussed potential improvements in recruitment practices.
• Education and Skills Strategy: Strong governance involving partners like Sheffield Hallam University and the Chamber of Commerce was confirmed.

The committee resolved to support the Corporate Plan and integrate the Great 8 priorities into the scrutiny work plan.

Mayor's Budget Proposals 2024/25 - 2027/28

The committee considered the Mayor’s Budget proposals for 2024/25 to 2027/28. Discussions focused on:

• Alignment with Central Government Policy: The committee examined how the budget aligns with government policies and directives.
• Financial Challenges: The council’s efforts to propose a balanced budget amidst a £17.2m funding gap, rising inflation, and other uncertainties were discussed.
• Housing Revenue Account: A proposed 7.7% rent increase was accepted, with assurances that most tenants on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit would be unaffected.
• Adult Social Care: The committee discussed the higher proportion of adults in care homes compared to other councils and the associated costs.
• Public Health Grant: The committee noted a real-term cut in the grant for the ninth consecutive year, impacting service investments.
• Children’s Social Care: Efforts to reduce the number of children in care and improve in-house capacity were acknowledged.
• Special Educational Needs and High Needs Block: The committee discussed the pressures and overspend associated with SEND and the need for better budget management.

The committee resolved to support the Mayor’s proposed budget.

Quarter 3 Finance and Performance Improvement Report

The committee reviewed the Quarter 3 Finance and Performance Improvement Report, noting the council's balanced financial position and achievement of service standards. Key points included:

• Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block: Concerns were raised about the increasing costs and pressures associated with the High Needs Block.
• Strategic Risks: Investments in a Cyber Team to prevent major cyber incidents were discussed.
• Cultural Strategy Update: Progress on the Cultural Strategy and the development of a Creative Health Board were highlighted.
• Volunteering Opportunities in Libraries: Efforts to recruit more volunteers post-Covid were noted.
• Doncaster City Centre: The impact of the Marks and Spencer store closure and plans for a new City Centre Plan were discussed.
• Transport and Digital: Challenges around public transport and highway conditions were acknowledged.
• Tackling Climate Change: The council’s commitment to meeting net zero targets through various initiatives was reaffirmed.

St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Performance and Delivery Update

The committee received a performance update from St. Leger Homes of Doncaster (SLHD) for Quarter 3 of the 2023/24 financial year. Discussions included:

• Customer Service Satisfaction Rates: The committee noted a reduction in satisfaction rates, attributed to concerns about damp and mould.
• Complaints: The volume of complaints and the need for a pre-complaint stage were discussed.
• Rough Sleepers: The committee addressed the issue of rough sleepers being placed in hotels and the need for appropriate assessments.

The committee acknowledged the challenges faced by SLHD and noted the progress in supporting the council’s strategic priorities.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan

The committee reviewed the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the council’s Forward Plan of key decisions. Key areas for future consideration included:

• Asset Rationalisation
• Duplication of Services and Partnership Working
• Growing Our Own Agenda
• Increase in Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Children
• Becoming a Leader in Employing Disabled People
• Greater Early Help Need
• More Residents Moving into Care Homes
• Community Prevention Model
• Reasonable Adjustments at Recruitment Stage

The committee resolved to note the current work plan and consider the highlighted areas for the 2024/2025 work plan.