Agenda item

Reports of Paul Darby, Corporate Director of Resources and presentation by Andrew Gilmore, Finance Manager

The Committee received a report which provided details of the 2021/22 revenue and capital budget outturn position for the Adult and Health Services (AHS) service grouping, which highlighted major variances in comparison with the budget for the year. A further report was received which provided the Committee with details of the initial forecast outturn budget position for the Adult and Health Services (AHS) service grouping, which highlighted major variances in comparison with the budget for the year, based on the position to the end of June 2022 (for copy see file of minutes).

A. Gilmore, Finance Manager gave a detailed presentation which provided an overview of the following:

·      2021/22 Revenue Outturn and Variance Explanations;

·      2021/22 Outturn Capital Position;

·      2022/23 Quarter 1 Revenue Forecast Outturn and Variance Explanations;

·      2022/23 Quarter 1 Capital Position.

Responding to a question from Councillor Earley regarding whether the year in terms of spending was going to plan, the Finance Manager commented that whilst he thought the outturn was comfortable, there were challenges ahead with inflation and that this could impact on care which was sourced externally. He explained that there were pressures on the Council as a whole and was hopeful that Government would provide support.

With regards to vacancies, Councillor Andrews asked if these would continue to roll over. The Finance Manager noted the considerable number of vacancies, and that this was increasing the pressure on staff. The Director of Integrated Community Services, County Durham Care Partnership clarified that vacancies were not being held to ensure that the budget balanced, and that recruitment was active. He advised that agency staff were being used to help with the shortage of staff particularly social workers but that this was an expensive resource.

Councillor Earley expressed concern regarding agency staff and the subsequent impact on the budget and asked whether there was a county wide approach to agency staff. The Director of Integrated Community Services, County Durham Care Partnership confirmed that there was a regional approach to this.

Mrs R Gott asked whether there were vacancies for approved social workers. The Director of Integrated Community Services, County Durham Care Partnership confirmed that this was a highly pressurised area and that they were working hard to recruit staff.

With regards to agency staff, Councillor Higgins agreed that it was an expensive resource. He expressed concern with the level of vacancies especially social workers and the impact this would have on mental health and suicide rates. He also expressed concern regarding the pressure and stress this would have on current staff due to the increase in workload. He further added that a shortage of staff could increase waiting lists for patients and put their health at risk and it was therefore vital that vacancies were filled.

Councillor Jopling understood that recruitment was difficult when people did not come forward.  The Director of Integrated Community Services, County Durham Care Partnership highlighted that staff, and their workloads were closely monitored to ensure that they were not under too much pressure.

In response to a question from Councillor Stubbs regarding the cost of agency staff, The Director of Integrated Community Services, County Durham Care Partnership clarified that the cost of agency staff had been considered and there remained an underspend.

Resolved

That the financial position included in the report be noted.