The Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to discuss the Council's People Strategy and Culture Transformation Programme, the findings of a sub-group on local authority funding and resourcing challenges, and the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. The committee also received updates from Cabinet Members and reviewed the committee's work programme.

Update on the Council's People Strategy and Culture Transformation Programme

The committee received an update on the Council's People Strategy and Culture Transformation Programme, highlighting achievements in workforce development, mental health support, and recruitment. Councillors welcomed the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, noting their strategic use in hard-to-recruit areas and the establishment of career pathways. The work experience offer was also discussed, with an acknowledgement of its value in supporting future recruitment. The Coaching Academy was explained as a mechanism for staff development and addressing workplace challenges, receiving positive feedback. Significant progress in workforce stability, particularly in social care, was noted, with a substantial increase in permanent staff and a reduction in agency reliance, leading to improved retention rates.

Concerns were raised regarding absences due to stress and mental health, although overall sickness levels have decreased and are below the Council's target. A range of measures to support staff wellbeing, including mental health training and early intervention, were outlined. The committee sought assurance on the tangible impact of cultural initiatives, with officers pointing to strong engagement indicators from staff surveys and workshops as evidence of positive progress. Initiatives to recognise and value staff, such as long service awards and staff recognition schemes, were welcomed. Discussion also covered the Council's White Ribbon accreditation, with clarification provided on the roles of ambassadors and champions, though some members expressed reservations about the terminology. The duration of apprenticeship programmes was noted to vary significantly.

Final Report and Recommendations of the Local Authority Funding and Resourcing Challenges Scrutiny Sub-Group

The committee considered the final report of the Local Authority Funding and Resourcing Challenges Scrutiny Sub-Group. The sub-group recommended that the committee continue to monitor the Council's Property Plan through six-monthly progress reports to track delivery and identify savings opportunities. In discussion, clarification was sought on the use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), Section 106 contributions, and asset disposals in relation to the capital financing strategy and minimising borrowing. Officers confirmed that these funds are used strictly in accordance with legal and regulatory frameworks, forming part of a wider strategy to mitigate the impact of growth and support infrastructure investment.

Regarding borrowing, the committee was informed that local authority borrowing is based on affordability and repayment capacity, not secured against specific assets. Capital receipts from asset disposals are used strategically to support the capital programme and minimise borrowing. The corporate landlord model for asset management was welcomed, with officers confirming its ongoing implementation as part of a broader transformation programme, including the introduction of the Civica asset management system. Challenges in consolidating data and enhancing reporting capabilities were acknowledged. An update on the Footscray site, where RAAC had been identified, confirmed the building is vacated and staff relocated, with archives safely managed. The development of a corporate storage strategy was noted as part of the wider asset management work programme. The committee agreed to include continued oversight of the Property Plan in the future work programme for the new Council.

Final Report of the Procurement Act 2023 Task and Finish Group

The committee reviewed the final report of the Procurement Act 2023 Task and Finish Group. A Member inquired about the reported increase in Freedom of Information (FOI) activity. Officers explained that this increase encompassed both FOI requests and general enquiries, stemming from the enhanced transparency requirements under the new legislation, which necessitate the publication of more procurement notices. This has led to an increase in enquiries from organisations interested in tender opportunities. While the volume of FOI requests has not significantly increased, they have become more detailed and complex. Officers noted that the origin of these requests is not always identifiable, but some may be linked to potential suppliers. The committee acknowledged the expected increase in market engagement and transparency, and the corresponding impact on officer workload. The committee agreed to continue monitoring the implementation and impact of the Act, including its effect on FOI volumes and the development of the national central digital platform, with a further review planned within 12 months.

Cabinet Members' Update

The committee received updates from the Cabinet Member for Education and Corporate Services and the Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation. The Cabinet Member for Education and Corporate Services reported on progress in recruiting for the Monitoring Officer and Head of Legal Services posts and highlighted a mock election event organised for adults with learning disabilities to promote participation in the democratic process. Customer service improvements were detailed, including enhancements to the Council's website and telephony services, leading to a significant reduction in abandoned calls. Future developments include the retendering of telephony systems and the introduction of AI-enabled web chat functionality. It was clarified that AI is not used in safeguarding decision-making within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation provided an update on the budget-setting process and forward financial planning. A revised Crisis and Resilience Fund has been introduced, with updated national guidance influencing its structure, including a crisis payment scheme and a requirement to link applicants with resilience support services. Changes to Treasury Management Service arrangements and the launch of the Council's Economic Growth Strategy were also noted.

Work Programme

As this was the final meeting of the municipal year, members were invited to suggest items for the committee's future work programme. It was noted that any suggestions would be considered by the incoming Council. The Chairman thanked members and officers for their contributions throughout the year.