The Public Accounts Select Committee reviewed the council's financial monitoring and social care commissioning, making recommendations to Mayor and Cabinet on both. The committee also agreed its work programme for the upcoming meeting on 28 November.

Financial Monitoring

The committee recommended that the council open discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding actions to stabilise the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget. This recommendation was made in light of concerns about potential overspends and the identification of one-off funding. Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was present for this discussion. The detailed report on financial monitoring for period 4 can be found in the Financial monitoring period 4 260924.pdf document.

Social Care Commissioning and Contracting

A further review of the data management systems within children's social care was recommended. Officers are to return to the committee with a timeline for improvements to these systems. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of social care services. The relevant reports for this item are CSC 260924.pdf and ASC 260924.pdf.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee agreed the work programme for its meeting scheduled for 28 November. This ensures that future meetings are well-structured and focused on key areas of council business. Supporting documents for the work programme include Work programme report 260924.pdf, Appendix D - work plan 260924.pdf, and Appendix E - key decision plan 260924.pdf.