The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Southwark Council met on Monday 22 January 2024 to discuss the proposed budget for 2024-25, as part of the Cabinet's consultation process. The meeting agenda included a review of the Policy and Resources Strategy 2024-25, with updated budget information, an equality impact analysis, and climate impact information provided to members.

Proposed Budget 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to receive information and ask questions regarding the budget implications of the proposed Policy and Resources Strategy for 2024-25. This included a review of departmental savings options and commitments. The report indicated a potential budget gap of £6.7 million for 2024-25, with further gaps projected for the following two years.

The council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero by 2030 was highlighted, with ongoing investments in capital programmes such as the Climate Capital Fund and the Green Buildings Fund. The report also detailed plans to transform street usage through the Streets for People strategy, encouraging sustainable travel and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Several departments presented their proposed savings and efficiencies for the 2024-27 period. These included:

• Children and Adult's Services: Proposals focused on efficiencies through greater independence for clients, maximisation of extra care, night time provision, and step-down accommodation. There was also a review of care for service users and carers to meet statutory requirements, with a predicted saving of £2 million. Efficiencies were also identified in the delivery of sexual health services, healthy adults' health promotion, children and young people outreach services, and the Education Psychology Team. Plans were also outlined for the transformation of Children and Family Centres into Family Hubs.
• Finance: Savings were proposed through the merging of call centres, review of corporate contact centres to promote digital first approaches, and efficiencies in IT and HR.
• Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth: Proposals included efficiencies in grounds maintenance and tree contracts, savings from the closure of Seven Islands Leisure Centre, and increased income from fees and charges in parks and leisure services. Savings were also identified in the review of the Noise and Nuisance service.
• Leisure Directorate: This included savings from the closure of Seven Islands Leisure Centre and efficiencies in grounds maintenance and tree contracts. There were also proposals for increased fees and charges across various leisure services, including parks and leisure centre car parks, tennis court hire, and youth and adventure play.
• Libraries and Heritage Service: A proposal for £300,000 in annual savings between 2024/25 and 2026/27 was outlined, to be achieved through changes in service delivery arrangements.
• Public Health: Efficiencies were identified in the delivery of sexual health services, healthy adults' health promotion and outreach services, and children and young people outreach services.

The report also detailed the council's approach to managing its finances, including the use of reserves and the proposed council tax increase. The impact of these budget proposals on individuals with protected characteristics was assessed through Equality Impact and Needs Analyses (EINAs), with mitigating actions identified where potential negative impacts were foreseen. For example, in relation to the proposed changes to library services, measures were proposed to ensure that sessions for people with disabilities, parents, toddlers, and babies, and young or older people would be retained. For the Adult Community Learning charges, concessionary fees and free courses were highlighted as existing mitigations for those facing financial hardship.

The committee was also provided with a climate change report outlining the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero by 2030. Despite progress, the report noted that Southwark, like other local authorities, remains off track to meet this target without greater government action and investment. The report detailed ongoing capital investments in projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions, such as improvements to leisure centres, libraries, and the roll-out of cycle hangers. It also mentioned the establishment of a Green Buildings Fund and plans to launch Southwark's Community Municipal Investment scheme. The Streets for People strategy was highlighted as a key initiative to transform street usage and promote sustainable travel.

The meeting also included a timetable for Cabinet Member interviews on the proposed budget, scheduled for Monday 22 January 2024, and a further session on Tuesday 23 January 2024.