Agenda Document Pack - Finance and Corporate Resources Committee - 06/03/2024
South Lanarkshire Council · 6 March 2024
Back to Finance and Corporate Resources Committee — 6 March 2024 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 27 February 2024 Dear Councillor Finance and Corporate Resources Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 06 March 2024 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Lesley McDonald (Chair), Walter Brogan (Depute Chair), Celine Handibode (Depute Chair), Joe Fagan (ex officio), Alex Allison, Mathew Buchanan, Andy Carmichael, Maureen Chalmers, Margaret Cooper, Andrea Cowan, Maureen Devlin, Mary Donnelly, Grant Ferguson, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Graeme Horne, Martin Hose, Katy Loudon, Hugh Macdonald, Catherine McClymont, Elaine McDougall, Mark McGeever, Richard Nelson, Mo Razzaq, John Ross, Graham Scott, Kirsty Williams Substitutes John Bradley, Archie Buchanan, Colin Dewar, Ross Gowland, Gavin Keatt, Susan Kerr, Ross Lambie, Martin Lennon, Richard Lockhart, Carol Nugent, Norman Rae, David Watson 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of Finance and Corporate Resources held on 6 December 2023 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 14 3 Minutes of Appeals Panel Minutes of the meeting of the Appeals Panel held on 30 November and 20 December 2023, 17, 22, 23 and 30 January and 8 February 2024 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 15 - 28 4 Minutes of Recruitment Committee Minutes of the meeting of the Recruitment committee held on 29 November 2023 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 29 - 30 Monitoring Item(s) 5 Revenue Budget Monitoring 2023/2024 – Finance and Corporate Resources Report dated 15 January 2024 by the Head of Finance (Strategy). (Copy attached) 31 - 40 6 Capital Budget Monitoring 2023/2024 - Finance and Corporate Resources Report dated 14 February 2024 by Head of Finance (Strategy). (Copy attached) 41 - 44 7 Finance and Corporate Resources - Workforce Monitoring - October to December 2023 Report dated 1 February 2024 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 45 - 52 8 Council-wide Workforce Monitoring – October to December 2023 Report dated 1 February by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 53 - 74 9 Treasury Management Activity - Quarter 3 Report dated 9 February 2024 by Head of Finance (Strategy). (Copy attached) 75 - 82 Item(s) for Decision 10 Revenue Collection and Approval for Write Offs Report dated 16 February 2024 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 83 - 88 11 Communications and Strategy Services Report dated 14 February 2024 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 89 - 92 Item(s) for Noting 12 Finance and Corporate Resource Plan - Quarter 2 Progress Report 2023/2024 Report dated 6 February 2024 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 93 - 106 2
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Urgent Business 13 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Carol Lyon Clerk Telephone: 07385370065 Clerk Email: carol.lyon@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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FINANCE AND CORPORATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 6 December 2023 Chair: Councillor Lesley McDonald Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor Walter Brogan (Depute), Councillor Mathew Buchanan, Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Andrea Cowan, Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Colin Dewar (substitute for Councillor Mary Donnelly), Councillor Joe Fagan (ex- officio), Councillor Grant Ferguson, Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Richard Lockhart (substitute for Councillor Martin Hose), Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Catherine McClymont, Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor John Ross, Councillor Graham Scott, Councillor Kirsty Williams Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Margaret Cooper, Councillor Mary Donnelly, Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Hugh Macdonald, Councillor Mark McGeever, Councillor Mo Razzaq Finance and Corporate Resources C Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions); M Husband, Head of IT Services; S Jessup, Administration Assistant; T Little, Head of Communications and Strategy; C Lyon, Administration Officer; G McCann, Head of Administration and Legal Services; M Milne, Head of Personnel Services; J Taylor, Head of Finance (Strategy) 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee held on 27 September 2023 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Minutes of the Appeals Panel The minutes of the meetings of the Appeals Panel held on 26 September and 9 November 2023 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 4 Minutes of Recruitment Committee The minutes of the meeting of the Recruitment Committee held on 30 October 2023 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 2 5
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5 Revenue Budget Monitoring 2023/2024 – Finance and Corporate Resources A report dated 19 October 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted comparing the actual expenditure for the period 1 April to 6 October 2023 for Finance and Corporate Resources. As at 6 October 2023, there was a breakeven position against the phased budget, detailed in Appendix A to the report. The forecast to 31 March 2024 was a breakeven position. Virements were proposed to realign budgets and those movements were detailed in the appendices to the report The Committee decided: (1) that the breakeven position, as detailed in Appendix A of the report, be noted; (2) that the forecast to 31 March 2024 of breakeven be noted; and (3) that the proposed budget virements, as detailed in the appendices to the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of 27 September 2023 (Paragraph 4)] 6 Capital Budget Monitoring 2023/2024 - Finance and Corporate Resources A report dated 16 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted advising of progress on Finance and Corporate Resources’ capital programme for 2023/2024 and summarising the expenditure position at 6 October 2023. The Finance and Corporate Resources’ capital programme for 2023/2024 was £5.333 million. Anticipated spend to date was £1.471 million and spend to 6 October 2023 totalled £1.419 million. This represented an underspend of £0.052 million, mainly due to timing. The Committee decided: that the Finance and Corporate Resources’ capital programme of £5.333 million, and expenditure to date of £1.419 million, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 27 September 2023 (Paragraph 5)] 7 Finance and Corporate Resources – Workforce Monitoring – August and September 2023 A report dated 26 October 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the following employee information for Finance and Corporate Resources for the period August and September 2023:- attendance statistics occupational health statistics accident/incident statistics disciplinary hearings, grievances and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews staffing watch as at 9 September 2023 6
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The Committee decided: that the report be noted [Reference: Minutes of 27 September 2023 (Paragraph 6)] 8 Council-wide Workforce Monitoring – August and September 2023 A report dated 26 October 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the following Council-wide employee information for the period August and September 2023:- attendance statistics occupational health statistics accident/incident statistics disciplinary hearings, grievances and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews recruitment monitoring staffing watch as at 9 September 2023 Officers responded to a member’s questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 27 September 2023 (Paragraph 7)] 9 Treasury Management Activity – 2023/2024 Second Quarter Review A report dated 15 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the second quarter review of Treasury Management activity for 2023/2024. Details were given on:- market performance management of risk debt management and borrowing strategy next quarter investment plans investment activity treasury management indicators Officers responded to a member’s question on the report. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council of 27 September 2023 (Paragraph 8)] 10 Non-Domestic Rates – Empty Property Relief A report dated 17 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the proposed changes to the Council’s Non-Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief (EPR) policy. Non-domestic Rates were a tax on non-domestic properties to help fund essential council services. EPR provided certain rates relief on unoccupied non-domestic properties and, prior to 2023, the scheme was operated at a national level, which was mandatory and fully funded by the Scottish Government through the Local Government Financial Settlement. 7
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EPR was devolved from the Scottish Government to local authorities from 1 April 2023, following the repeal of Section 24 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966. This included the transfer of £105 million annually across all councils, fixed until the next revaluation in 2026. The Council’s annual allocation from 2023/2024 onwards was £2.183 million. Each council now had autonomy to design their own scheme to best meet their needs. On 1 March 2023, the Executive Committee had approved the Council’s policy on EPR for implementation from 1 April 2023. The policy mirrored the previous legislation due to the short time frame given to consider potential changes and uncertainty of the impacts of the 2023 non- domestic rates revaluation. A commitment was given to review the policy and report back to the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee during 2023/2024 with any proposed changes to the policy. The current criteria for awarding EPR was detailed in the report. Recent analysis highlighted that there were currently 478 empty properties in South Lanarkshire, with the Council being the ratepayer for 98 of those properties. Of the current empty properties, 347 (73%) had been empty for more than 12 months, with 61 belonging to the Council. EPR of £1.721 million had been awarded in 2022/2023. The current projection for 2023/2024 was £2.820 million, which represented a significant overspend on the budget of £2.183 million due to East Kilbride Shopping Centre entering administration in November 2022. Any overspend would require to be funded by the Council, although discussions had commenced with COSLA and the Scottish Government regarding any scope for additional funding to mitigate the financial impact of this. It was proposed that the Council revise the EPR policy to promote the occupation of empty properties and deliver the economic and social benefits in South Lanarkshire as well as to reduce the cost to the Council during a period of significant financial pressure. Re-occupation of properties would stimulate economic growth and provide improved employment opportunities, increased spend in local business and a decreased risk of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The proposed policy also looked to address issues of equity within the existing system by continuing to provide relief to empty property ratepayers but incentivising re-occupation by ending open ended exemptions and reliefs for most empty properties, with a 12 month time limit placed on any such award instead. The proposed policy also removed the favourable empty relief terms offered to industrial categorised properties. They would now receive the same EPR as commercial properties, restricted for 12 months. It also proposed that the 100% indefinite relief currently provided to listed buildings be replaced with 50% relief in the first 3 months, followed by 10% relief for 9 months. This would align with the proposed relief for commercial industrial properties and incentivise owners of listed buildings to bring them back into use. The duty on business owners to apply for relief timeously and ensure they received accurate bills was also reflected in the new policy. It was proposed that backdating EPR be restricted to the current financial year as opposed to the current policy, where backdating could be awarded up to the preceding 6 financial years. Implementation of the new policy would commence from 1 April 2024 for all empty properties. For existing ratepayers affected by the policy change, entitlement would be dependent on how long the property had been empty. It was proposed that a full review of the new policy be undertaken in 2027/2028 but would be carried out sooner if required. 8
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A comparison of the proposed EPR policy with the existing policy, including the justification for the proposed changes, was detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, with the full policy attached at Appendix 3. The Committee recommended to the Executive Committee: that the revised EPR Policy, to be adopted by the Council from 1 April 2024, as outlined at section 5 of the report and detailed in Appendix 3 to the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 1 March 2023 (Paragraph 12)] 11 Revenue Collection and Approval of Write-Offs A report dated 17 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on:- collection performance for the financial year 2023/2024 to 31 October 2023 on revenue income which comprised Council Tax, non-domestic rates, sundry debts and arrears performance in the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme (BRIS) the write-off of irrecoverable Council Tax, non-domestic rates, BID levy, sundry debt and Housing Rent and associated charges Details were provided on current collection targets. The Council was ahead of target but behind comparable performance from 2022/2023 in respect of Council Tax, non-domestic rates and sundry debt. In terms of arrears collection targets, the Council was ahead of target but behind comparable performance from 2022/2023 in respect of Council Tax and non-domestic rates. In respect of sundry debt, the Council was ahead of target and equal to comparable performance in 2022/2023. As previously advised to Committee, the BRIS scheme had been suspended for 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 due to the impact of COVID-19. Further guidance and information was awaited from the Scottish Government with regards to reinstatement in 2023/2024, however, performance against the BRIS target continued to be closely monitored. It was proposed that the following debts be written off:- irrecoverable Council Tax accounts from 1993/1994 to 2023/2024 (including bulk write-off for 1997/1998) to the value of £1,845,581.52 relating primarily to prescribed debt, sequestrations and estates of the deceased irrecoverable non-domestic rates from 2021/2022 to 2023/2024 to the value of £237,386.31 relating primarily to debtors in liquidation, those who had ceased trading or had been sequestrated Business Improvement District (BID) levies totalling £1,818.76 administered by the Council on behalf of Hamilton, Carluke and Lanark BID companies sundry debts to a value of £174,223.76 former tenant rent arrears totalling £1,917,322.65 (including bulk write-off for 2017/2018) and factoring arrears of £1,709.83 school meal debt totalling £7,309.25 The Committee decided: (1) that the Council’s performance in the collection of revenues be noted; (2) that the current position in respect of the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme be noted; and 9
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(3) that the write-off of the following irrecoverable debts be approved:- Council Tax debt from 1993/1994 to 2023/2024 to the value of £1,845,581.52 Non Domestic Rates from 2021/2022 to 2023/2024 totalling £237,386.31 BID levies totalling £1,818.76 sundry debts to a value of £174,223.76 house rent and associated charges totalling £1,919,032.48 school meal debt totalling £7,309.25 [Reference: Minutes of 27 September 2023 (Paragraph 10)] 12 Notification of Contracts Awarded 1 April to 30 September 2023 and Proposed Contract Award for Routes to Work South A report dated 1 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the notification of contracts awarded from 1 April 2023 to 30 September 2023 and the proposed award of contract to Routes to Work South (RTWS) for 2023/2024. In terms of Standing Order Nos 21.8 and 22.5 of the Standing Orders on Contracts, Resources were required to notify the relevant committee of contracts awarded. Details of the contracts awarded by Finance and Corporate Resources were provided in the appendix to the report. Standing Order No 3.7 of the Council’s Standing Orders on Contracts, required committee authority to be obtained for the award of contract using the “Teckal” exemption. A “Teckal” exemption was a legal exemption to the public procurement rules where a public authority did not have to tender a public contract and the contract could be awarded directly by the Council to a separate legal entity, in this case RTWS, subject to certain requirements being met. RTWS was a registered company in Scotland with charitable status that delivered a range of employability programmes, supporting unemployed residents into further education, training and employment on behalf of the Council. RTWS was established in 2001 and the Council was the sole member of the company. Authorisation was sought for the award of contract reference SLC/FC/23/065 to RTWS for a total value of £2,063,000, as detailed in the report. The costs of the RTWS programmes, as detailed in the report, for 2023/2024 were met entirely by the Council’s externally funded employability grants. Following a member’s suggestion that it would be helpful if the value of any extension to a contract was included in the report, the Head of Finance (Transactions) agreed to look at this and respond to the member. The Committee decided: (1) that details of the contracts awarded from 1 April to 30 September 2023 be noted; and (2) that the contract award to Routes to Work South (RTWS) be approved. [Reference: Minutes of 28 June 2023 (Paragraph 13)] 10
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13 Early Retirement Voluntary Severance and Switch 2 A report dated 10 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the activity related to early retirements, voluntary severances, re-employment of early retirees and re-deployments during period 1 April to 30 September 2023. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 3 May 2023 (Paragraph 15)] 14 Common Good Update A report dated 15 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on:- the Common Good accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 the cyclical spend committed against the Common Good repairs and maintenance budgets for both Lanark and Hamilton The Common Good funds held within South Lanarkshire Council were Lanark, Biggar, Hamilton and Rutherglen. The Common Good accounts for 2022/2023 were detailed in Appendix 1 to the report and showed that, at the year end, the Common Good balance invested in the Council’s Loan Fund was £0.881 million. The Common Good accounts in Lanark and Hamilton held a number of properties. On 2 October 2013, this Committee had approved an annual cyclical maintenance plan of £15,000 for both Lanark and Hamilton Common good properties. If inspections highlighted requirements to undertake investment which would be beyond routine maintenance, this would be considered separately for approval and would be the subject of a report to this Committee. On 19 February 2008, the Finance and Information Technology Committee approved an annual contribution of up to £2,500 to be made towards the cost of maintaining St Nicholas Church Tower, Lanark. Refurbishment works to the Tower were carried out between 2009 and 2012 to a specification agreed with Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The redecoration schedule for exterior paint work was between 2 and 5 years and the steeple was redecorated in 2016. After completion of this, the steeple was programmed to receive an annual wash down to be implemented following the expiry of the guarantee period. The first annual wash down was carried out in May 2018. However, in 2019 and 2020, tender exercises had been unsuccessful either due to lack of market interest or the quotes not representing value for money. As the church and tower were now beyond the recommended 5 year redecoration schedule, it was intended to seek fresh advice from a Conservation Accredited Architect to identify the areas requiring repair to both the church and the steeple. Due to the past difficulties, it was now intended to look at options for protecting the building in a more effective and economic way, with the aim of working jointly with the church to find a longer-term solution that would eliminate the need for an annual wash down. As the annual budget earmarked for the annual wash down had not been utilised in recent years, it would be used to cover the architect’s costs, estimated at around £5,000. The outcome of this work would be brought back to Committee as appropriate. 11
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The report provided an update in relation to the following:- current expenditure and commitments in relation to the Lanark and Hamilton Common Good repairs and maintenance budgets for 2022/2023 the use of the earmarked budget for St Nicholas Church, Lanark Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the accounts for Common Good for the year ended 31 March 2023 be noted; (2) that the cyclical spend committed against the Common Good Repairs and Maintenance budgets for Lanark and Hamilton be noted; and (3) that the use of the earmarked budget for St Nicholas Church Tower, Lanark Common Good, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 7 September 2022 (Paragraph 15)] Councillor Nelson left the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 15 Update of the Finance and Corporate Resources Risk Register and Risk Control Plan A report dated 24 October 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the Risk Register and Risk Control Actions for Finance and Corporate Resources. The Resource had followed Council guidance in developing, monitoring and updating its Risk Control Register on an ongoing basis. The Register had been developed to ensure that the Resource was fully aware of the main risks that it had, was able to prioritise those risks and had controls in place to eliminate or minimise the impact of risk. The Resource scored the risks in accordance with the Council scoring mechanism based on likelihood and impact. This had resulted in risks being scored between 1 to 25 (low to very high). Risks were scored on their inherent risk (risk if nothing was done) and their residual risk (risk after applying controls). The Risk Register had been developed and was monitored on an ongoing basis to add any new risks and review the scores of existing risks. The main changes to the Finance and Corporate Resources’ risk profile from last year were:- 6 new risks being reported 3 risks had increased from medium to high 1 risk moved from being very high to high - “The Council was materially affected by the implications arising from the National Care Service Bill” Risks scored 15 to 25 were considered very high and risks scored 8 to 12 were considered high risks. The top risks identified for the Resource were detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 provided a comparison of risk scores for 2022 and 2023 and also detailed changes in risk descriptions. 12
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1 risk control action was due for delivery between April and September 2023 and had been completed on time. 12 actions were due for completion during 2022/2023 and 7 had been completed, with the other 5 carried forward. There were currently 8 risk actions due for completion during the remainder of 2023/2024, with a further 1 action due to be completed in 2024/2025. Outstanding actions to mitigate the risks would be progressed by relevant officers. Within Finance and Corporate Resources, 4 partnerships had been identified, of which the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) had been assessed as high risk and the remaining 3 partnerships had been assessed as low risk. Appropriate risk management arrangements were in place for the CPP, with regular reports on its risk register and action plan presented to the CPP Board. Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. Following discussion, the Head of IT Services, in response to a member’s question on what mitigations were in place in terms of infrastructure, advised that the report only included examples, however, he was happy to provide a summary of controls and mitigations in place. In respect of legacy systems, he further confirmed that all systems were treated equally and had a resilience plan assigned. The Committee decided: (1) that the contents of the Finance and Corporate Resources’ Risk Register be noted; and (2) that it be noted that the outstanding risk control actions would be progressed by relevant officers. [Reference: Minutes of 16 November 2022 (Paragraph 13)] 16 Safety at Sports Grounds Issue of Special Safety Certificate for Fireworks Event at ZLX Stadium A report dated 6 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on action taken, in terms of Standing Order No 37(c) in view of the timescales involved, by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair and an ex officio member, to issue a special safety certificate for the North and West Stands, Hamilton Academical Football Club, ZLX Stadium, Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton for the purpose of holding a fireworks event on 5 November 2023. An application for a Special Safety Certificate had been received from HAFC Stadium Limited to hold a fireworks event on 5 November 2023. As the certificate was requited to be issued prior to the event, the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair and an ex officio member, approved the issue of the Special Safety Certificate, subject to the completion of a satisfactory site inspection. A site inspection, attended by representatives of South Lanarkshire Sports Grounds Safety Advisory Group, had subsequently taken place on 5 November 2023. Representatives were satisfied with the event arrangements and the Special Safety Certificate had been issued prior to the admission of spectators. 13
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The Committee decided: that the action taken, in terms of Standing Order No 37(c), by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair and an ex officio member, to issue a special safety certificate for the North and West Stands, Hamilton Academical Football Club, ZLX Stadium, Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton, for the purpose of holding a fireworks event on 5 November 2023 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 27 September 2023 (Paragraph 14)] 17 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. Chair’s Closing Remarks The Chair referred to Paul Manning’s promotion from Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) to Chief Executive. The Chair, on behalf of the members of the Committee, thanked him for his valuable contribution, assistance and advice to the Committee over the years. The Chair also extended the compliments of the season to all members and officials present. 14
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APPEALS PANEL Minutes of meeting held in in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 30 November 2023 Chair: Councillor Celine Handibode Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor Margaret Cowie Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources H Calley, Administration Officer; E Maxwell, HR Business Manager 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Appeal Against Dismissal The Panel considered an appeal (Ref 8/23) by an employee against their dismissal. The appellant was present and represented themselves. The Council was represented by a Personnel Adviser and called 2 witnesses. All parties were heard in relation to the appeal and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and the appeal be not upheld. 3 15
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APPEALS PANEL Minutes of meeting held in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 20 December 2023 Chair: Councillor Lesley McDonald Councillors Present: Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Bert Thomson Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources P MacRae, Administration Adviser; G Robertson, Personnel Adviser 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Appeal Against Dismissal The Panel considered an appeal (Ref 7/23) by an employee against their dismissal. The appellant was present and represented by a trade union representative. The Council was represented by a Personnel Adviser. The Council called a witness and the appellant’s representative called the appellant. All parties were heard in relation to the appeal and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and the appeal be not upheld. 3 17
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APPEALS PANEL Minutes of meeting held in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 17 January 2024 Chair: Councillor Celine Handibode Councillors Present: Councillor Mathew Buchanan, Councillor Graeme Horne Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources H Calley, Administration Officer; G Robertson, Personnel Adviser 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Appeal Against Dismissal The Panel considered an appeal (Ref 9/23) by an employee against their dismissal. The appellant was present and represented by a trade union representative. The Council was represented by a Personnel Adviser. The Council called a witness and the appellant’s representative called the appellant. All parties were heard in relation to the appeal and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and the appeal be not upheld. 3 19
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APPEALS PANEL Minutes of meeting held in in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton and via MS Teams on 22 January 2024 Chair: Councillor Lesley McDonald Councillors Present: Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources H Calley, Administration Officer; E Maxwell, HR Business Manager 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Appeal Against Termination Due to Capability The Panel considered an appeal (Ref 13/23) by an employee against their termination due to capability. The appellant was present and represented themselves. The employee was also accompanied by a colleague. The Council was represented by a Personnel Adviser and called a witness. All parties were heard in relation to the appeal and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and the appeal be not upheld. 3 21
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APPEALS PANEL Minutes of meeting held in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 23 January 2024 Chair: Councillor Lesley McDonald Councillors Present: Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Ross Gowland Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources H Calley, Administration Officer; G Robertson, Personnel Adviser 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Appeal Against Dismissal The Panel considered an appeal (Ref 10/23) by an employee against their dismissal. The appellant was present and represented by a trade union representative. The Council was represented by a Personnel Adviser. The Council called a witness and the appellant’s representative called the appellant. All parties were heard in relation to the appeal and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and the appeal be not upheld. Councillor McDougall, as the mover of a motion which failed to find a seconder, asked that her dissent be recorded 3 23
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APPEALS PANEL Minutes of meeting held in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 30 January 2024 Chair: Councillor Celine Handibode Councillors Present: Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Maureen Devlin Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources H Calley, Administration Officer; G Robertson, Personnel Adviser 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Appeal Against Dismissal The Panel considered an appeal (Ref 11/23) by an employee against their dismissal. The appellant was present and represented by a trade union representative. The Council was represented by a Personnel Adviser. The Council called a witness and the appellant’s representative called the appellant. All parties were heard in relation to the appeal and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: that the grounds of the appeal had been substantiated in part and the appeal be upheld to the extent that:- the dismissal be replaced by a period of unpaid absence from the date of dismissal until 30 January 2024 the appellant be issued with a final written warning 3 25
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APPEALS PANEL Minutes of meeting held in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 8 February 2024 Chair: Councillor Celine Handibode Councillors Present: Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Catherine McClymont Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources H Calley, Administration Officer; E McPake, HR Business Manager 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Appeal Against Dismissal The Panel considered an appeal (Ref 12/23) by an employee against their dismissal. The appellant was present and represented by a trade union representative. The Council was represented by a Personnel Adviser. The Council called a witness and the appellant’s representative called the appellant. All parties were heard in relation to the appeal and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and the appeal be not upheld. Councillor Anderson, as the mover of a motion which failed to find a seconder, asked that his dissent be recorded 3 27
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RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 29 November 2023 Chair: Councillor Joe Fagan Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor Robert Brown, Councillor Gerry Convery (Depute), Councillor Katy Loudon (substitute for Councillor Maureen Chalmers), Councillor John Ross Councillor's Apology: Councillor Maureen Chalmers Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources P Manning, Executive Director; S McLeod, Administration Officer; E McPake, Human Resources Business Partner (Education and Social Work Resources) 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Recruitment Committee held on 25 October 2023 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 4 Exclusion of Press and Public The Committee decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 5 Post of Head of Administration and Legal Services The Committee proceeded to interview 4 candidates for the post of Head of Administration and Legal Services. One applicant, who had been selected for interview, had since withdrawn their application. 4 29
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The Committee decided: that Mr I Strachan, Head of Legal, Democratic, Digital and Customer Services, Inverclyde Council be appointed to the post of Head of Administration and Legal Services. [Reference: Minutes of 25 October 2023 (Paragraph 4)] 30
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2024 Report by: Head of Finance (Strategy) Subject: Revenue Budget Monitoring 2023/2024 – Finance and Corporate Resources 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [p provide information on the actual expenditure measured against the revenue budget for the period 1 April 2023 to 28 December 2023 for Finance and Corporate Resources [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the overspend of £0.179 million on the Finance and Corporate Resources’ revenue budget to date, as detailed in Appendix A of the report, be noted; (2) that the forecast overspend of £0.216 million to 31 March 2024, also detailed in Appendix A of the report, be noted; and (3) that the proposed budget virements be approved. 3. Background 3.1. The report details the financial position for Finance and Corporate Resources on Appendix A, along with variance explanations in Appendices B-H as appropriate. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. Probable Outturn: Following the Council’s formal Probable Outturn exercise, the Resource is forecasting an overspend of £0.216 million. The Resource has no proposed transfers to reserves at this point. This will be confirmed at the year-end. 5.2. Financial Position as at 28 December 2023: As at 28 December 2023, the Resource is showing an overspend of £0.179 million, as detailed in Appendix A. 5.3. Virements are proposed to realign budgets. This has been detailed in Appendices B to H. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 5 31
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7. Other Implications 7.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s Revenue Budget is that there is an overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed budget management applied across the Resources. The risk is managed through four weekly Budget Monitoring Meetings at which any variance is analysed. In addition, the probable outturn exercise ensures early warning for corrective action to be taken where appropriate. 8. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Jackie Taylor Head of Finance (Strategy) 15 January 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 6 December 2023 List of Background Papers Financial ledger and budget monitoring results to 28 December 2023. Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Lorraine O’Hagan, Finance Manager (Strategy) Ext: 2601 (Tel: 01698 452601) E-mail: lorraine.o’hagan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 32
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Appendix A SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Finance and Corporate Resources Summary Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 39,567 38,262 1,305 28,767 27,726 1,041 under 3.6% Property Costs 4,256 4,470 (214) 2,982 3,128 (146) over (4.9%) Supplies & Services 7,359 7,685 (326) 6,306 6,565 (259) over (4.1%) Transport & Plant 69 68 1 40 46 (6) over (15.0%) Administration Costs 7,862 8,284 (422) 5,547 5,878 (331) over (6.0%) Payments to Other Bodies 5,935 6,713 (778) 4,397 5,098 (701) over (15.9%) Payments to Contractors 284 305 (21) 281 292 (11) over (3.9%) Transfer Payments 65,650 62,923 2,727 47,105 45,158 1,947 under 4.1% Financing Charges 1,216 1,293 (77) 363 382 (19) over (5.2%) Total Controllable Exp. 132,198 130,003 2,195 95,788 94,273 1,515 under 1.6% Total Controllable Inc. (88,094) (85,683) (2,411) (54,592) (52,898) (1,694) under recovered 3.1% Net Controllable Exp. 44,104 44,320 (216) 41,196 41,375 (179) over (0.4%) Variance Explanations Variance explanations are shown in Appendices B to H as appropriate. Budget Virements Virements are noted in Appendices B to H. 33
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Appendix B SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Finance – Strategy Services Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 3,226 3,076 150 2,345 2,203 142 under 6.1% 1,a Property Costs 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Supplies & Services 20 18 2 4 5 (1) over (25.0%) Transport & Plant 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Administration Costs 109 117 (8) 96 104 (8) over (8.3%) Payments to Other Bodies 516 607 (91) 256 326 (70) over (27.3%) 2 Payments to Contractors 22 26 (4) 22 25 (3) over (13.6%) Transfer Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Financing Charges 16 22 (6) 3 3 0 - 0.0% Total Controllable Exp. 3,909 3,866 43 2,726 2,666 60 under 2.2% Total Controllable Inc. (1,603) (1,594) (9) (56) (47) (9) under recovered 16.1% Net Controllable Exp. 2,306 2,272 34 2,670 2,619 51 under 1.9% Variance Explanations 1. Employee Costs The underspend reflects the turnover of staff to date, with any vacant posts being considered in line with service requirements. 2. Payments to Other Bodies The overspend reflects the uplift in external audit fees. Budget Virements a. Local Government 2023/2024 Pay Award: Net Effect £0.191m: Employee Costs £0.191m. 34
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Appendix C SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Finance – Transactions Services Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 13,663 13,367 296 9,968 9,742 226 under 2.3% 1,a Property Costs 4,177 4,374 (197) 2,939 3,079 (140) over (4.8%) 2,b Supplies & Services 845 944 (99) 570 626 (56) over (9.8%) Transport & Plant 5 3 2 0 0 0 - n/a Administration Costs 1,671 1,781 (110) 1,270 1,346 (76) over (6.0%) 3 Payments to Other Bodies 1,615 1,639 (24) 1,267 1,293 (26) over (2.1%) Payments to Contractors 237 253 (16) 234 241 (7) over (3.0%) Transfer Payments 65,650 62,923 2,727 47,105 45,158 1,947 under 4.1% 4 Financing Charges 142 170 (28) 0 11 (11) over n/a Total Controllable Exp. 88,005 85,454 2,551 63,353 61,496 1,857 under 2.9% Total Controllable Inc. (68,555) (65,823) (2,732) (48,273) (46,331) (1,942) under recovered 4.0% 4 Net Controllable Exp. 19,450 19,631 (181) 15,080 15,165 (85) over (0.6%) Variance Explanations 1. Employee Costs The underspend is due to vacant posts within the Service which are being recruited in line with Service requirements. 2. Property Costs The overspend reflects greater than budgeted spend on Non-Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief. 3. Administration Costs The overspend reflects additional postage costs required for service delivery; and Graduate training costs which are offset by Employee Cost underspends. 4. Transfer Payments / Income The underspend in Transfer Payments reflects the demand-led spend on Rent Allowance and Rent Rebates, and is offset by an under-recovery of Income. Budget Virements a. Local Government 2023/2024 Pay Award: Net Effect £0.783m: Employee Costs £0.783m. b. Scottish Welfare Fund £0.145m: Net Effect £0.145m: Property Costs £0.145m. 35
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Appendix D SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Audit Services Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 665 682 (17) 487 507 (20) over (4.1%) 1,a Property Costs 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Supplies & Services 7 7 0 0 1 (1) over n/a Transport & Plant 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Administration Costs 6 6 0 4 4 0 - 0.0% Payments to Other Bodies 1 0 1 0 0 0 - n/a Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Transfer Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Financing Charges 4 4 0 0 0 0 - n/a Total Controllable Exp. 683 699 (16) 491 512 (21) over (4.3%) Total Controllable Inc. (272) (282) 10 (45) (45) 0 - 0.0% Net Controllable Exp. 411 417 (6) 446 467 (21) over (4.7%) Variance Explanations 1. Employee Costs The overspend reflects a lower than anticipated turnover achieved to date. Budget Virements a. Local Government 2023/2024 Pay Award: Net Effect £0.038m: Employee Costs £0.038m. 36
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Appendix E SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Information Technology Services Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 5,533 5,497 36 3,723 3,721 2 under 0.1% a Property Costs 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Supplies & Services 5,518 5,685 (167) 5,162 5,329 (167) over (3.2%) 1 Transport & Plant 4 4 0 0 0 0 - n/a Administration Costs 1,604 1,603 1 972 974 (2) over (0.2%) Payments to Other Bodies 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Transfer Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Financing Charges 631 634 (3) 108 108 0 - 0.0% Total Controllable Exp. 13,290 13,423 (133) 9,965 10,132 (167) over (1.7%) Total Controllable Inc. (7,748) (7,881) 133 (1,575) (1,677) 102 over recovered (6.5%) 1 Net Controllable Exp. 5,542 5,542 0 8,390 8,455 (65) over (0.8%) Variance Explanations 1. Supplies & Services / Income The overspend reflects the increased costs of IT services, which is offset by an over-recovery of income via recharge to Resources. Budget Virements a. Local Government 2023/2024 Pay Award: Net Effect £0.316m: Employee Costs £0.316. 37
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Appendix F SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Personnel Services Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 9,874 8,991 883 7,472 6,707 765 under 10.2% 1,a,c Property Costs 62 92 (30) 34 45 (11) over (32.4%) Supplies & Services 197 197 0 70 76 (6) over (8.6%) Transport & Plant 14 9 5 2 2 0 - (0.0%) Administration Costs 999 1,251 (252) 866 1,099 (233) over (26.9%) 2,c Payments to Other Bodies 2,305 3,009 (704) 1,599 2,211 (612) over (38.3%) 3,b,c,d Payments to Contractors 25 26 (1) 25 26 (1) over (4.0%) c Transfer Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Financing Charges 40 44 (4) 3 3 0 - 0.0% Total Controllable Exp. 13,516 13,619 (103) 10,071 10,169 (98) over (1.0%) Total Controllable Inc. (4,597) (4,857) 260 (1,767) (1,932) 165 over recovered (9.3%) 2,c,d Net Controllable Exp. 8,919 8,762 157 8,304 8,237 67 under 0.8% Variance Explanations 1. Employee Costs The underspend reflects savings made in advance, and the level of turnover within the Service to date, with recruitment being considered in line with Service requirements. 2. Administration Costs / Income The overspend in Administration Costs reflects the level of recruitment costs and medical expenses incurred to date, which is offset by an over- recovery of income via recharges to Resources. 3. Payments to Other Bodies The overspend relates to spend on Employability projects. This overspend is being managed within the overall Service position and is not recurring beyond 2023/2024. Budget Virements a. Local Government 2023/2024 Pay Award: Net Effect £0.473m: Employee Costs £0.473m. b. Employment Recruitment Incentives funded from Reserves: Net Effect £0.139m: Payments to Other Bodies £0.139m. c. No-One Left Behind Grant Claim (Q2&3): Net Effect £0.000m: Employee Costs £0.561m, Payments to Other Bodies £1.175m, Payments to Contractors £0.025m, Income (£1.761m). d. Shared Prosperity Funding/Expenditure: Net Effect £0.000m: Payments to Other Bodies £0.535m, Income (£0.535m). 38
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Appendix G SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Administration, Legal and Licensing Services Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 3,987 4,100 (113) 2,897 3,026 (129) over (4.5%) 1,a Property Costs 17 4 13 9 4 5 under 55.6% Supplies & Services 119 176 (57) 39 60 (21) over (53.8%) Transport & Plant 14 15 (1) 10 13 (3) over (30.0%) Administration Costs 2,331 2,387 (56) 1,688 1,699 (11) over (0.7%) Payments to Other Bodies 678 576 102 577 524 53 under 9.2% 2 Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Transfer Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Financing Charges 32 67 (35) 0 8 (8) over n/a Total Controllable Exp. 7,178 7,325 (147) 5,220 5,334 (114) over (2.2%) Total Controllable Inc. (2,668) (2,595) (73) (1,342) (1,330) (12) under recovered 0.9% Net Controllable Exp. 4,510 4,730 (220) 3,878 4,004 (126) over (3.2%) Variance Explanations 1. Employee Costs The overspend reflects a lower than anticipated turnover achieved to date. 2. Payments to Other Bodies The underspend relates to less than budgeted spend on Admin Grants. Budget Virements a. Local Government 2023/2024 Pay Award: Net Effect £0.230m: Employee Costs £0.230m. 39
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Appendix H SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance and Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 28 December 2023 (No.10) Communications and Strategy Services Annual Budget Forecast for Year Annual Forecast Variance Budget Proportion 28/12/23 Actual 28/12/23 Variance 28/12/23 % Variance 28/12/23 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 2,619 2,549 70 1,875 1,820 55 under 2.9% 1,a,b Property Costs 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Supplies & Services 653 658 (5) 461 468 (7) over (1.5%) Transport & Plant 32 37 (5) 28 31 (3) over (10.7%) Administration Costs 1,142 1,139 3 651 652 (1) over (0.2%) Payments to Other Bodies 820 882 (62) 698 744 (46) over (6.6%) 2 Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Transfer Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 - n/a Financing Charges 351 352 (1) 249 249 0 - 0.0% Total Controllable Exp. 5,617 5,617 0 3,962 3,964 (2) over (0.1%) Total Controllable Inc. (2,651) (2,651) 0 (1,534) (1,536) 2 over recovered (0.1%) Net Controllable Exp. 2,966 2,966 0 2,428 2,428 0 - 0.0% Variance Explanations 1. Employee Costs The underspend reflects the level of turnover within the Service to date, with recruitment being considered in line with Service requirements. 2. Payments to Other Bodies The overspend relates to annual Community Planning Partnership and Citizens Advice Bureau contributions. Budget Virements a. Local Government 2023/2024 Pay Award: Net Effect £0.155m: Employee Costs £0.155m. 40
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2024 Report by: Head of Finance (Strategy) Subject: Capital Budget Monitoring 2023/2024 - Finance and Corporate Resources 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide information on the progress of the capital programme for Finance and Corporate Resources for the period 1 April 2023 to 28 December 2023 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Finance and Corporate Resources capital programme of £5.333 million, and expenditure to date of £2.269 million, be noted; and (2) that the projected outturn of £5 million be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. This is the fourth capital monitoring report presented to the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee for the financial year 2023/2024. 3.2. As noted in the last report to this Committee (6 December 2023), the budget for Finance and Corporate Resources for financial year 2023/2024 was £5.333 million. There has been no change to this budget since the last report to this Committee. 3.3. The report details the financial position for Finance and Corporate Resources in Appendix A. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications as a result of this report. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. 2023/2024 Budget As detailed in Section 3.2, the 2023/2024 capital programme for Finance and Corporate Resources is £5.333 million. 6 41
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5.2. 2023/2024 Outturn Work has been ongoing to monitor the predicted spend position for this financial year and current estimates from Finance and Corporate Resources suggest an outturn of £5 million, an underspend of £0.333 million. The majority of the variance is due to the timing of spend on IT Infrastructure projects resulting in budget required in 2024/2025 rather than 2023/2024. Funding for these projects will carry forward into next financial year. 5.3. Period 10 Position Anticipated spend to date was £2.319 million and spend to 28 December 2023 amounts to £2.269 million, resulting in Finance and Corporate Resources being £0.050 million behind programme. This is a minor timing issue only. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability, or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s Capital Programme is that there is an overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed project management plans prepared and monitored for each project. The risk of overspend is managed through four weekly Investment Management Meetings. 8. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Jackie Taylor Head of Finance (Strategy), Finance and Corporate Resources 14 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 6 December 2023 List of Background Papers Financial ledger to 28 December 2023 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Lorraine O’Hagan, Finance Manager (Strategy) Ext: 2601 (Tel: 01698 452601) E-mail: lorraine.o’hagan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 42
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Appendix A South Lanarkshire Council Capital Expenditure 2023-2024 Finance and Corporate Resources Programme For Period 1 April 2023 – 28 December 2023 Finance and Corporate Resources Total Original Budget £000 Budget Adjustments £000 Slippage £000 Total Budget £000 Budget to Date £000 Actual Expenditure £000 Information Technology Services 5,333 - - 5,333 2.319 2,269 TOTAL 5,333 - - 5,333 2,319 2,269 43
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2024 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Finance and Corporate Resources – Workforce Monitoring – October to December 2023 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide employment information for October to December 2023 relating to Finance and Corporate Resources [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): - [recs] (1) that the following employment information for October to December 2023 relating to Finance and Corporate Resources be noted:- attendance statistics occupational health accident/incident statistics discipline, grievance and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews staffing watch as at 9 December 2023 [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. As part of the Council’s performance management arrangements, regular workforce monitoring reports are submitted to Committee. This report for Finance and Corporate Resources provides information on the position for October to December 2023. 4. Monitoring Statistics 4.1. Attendance Statistics (Appendix 1) Information on absence statistics is analysed for the month of December 2023 for Finance and Corporate Resources. The Resource absence figure for December 2023 was 3.3%, this figure has decreased by 0.2% when compared to last month and is 3.3% lower than the Council-wide figure. Compared to December 2022, the Resource absence figure has decreased by 1.0%. Based on the absence figures at December 2023 and annual trends, the projected annual average absence for the Resource for 2023/2024 is 3.7%, compared to a Council-wide average figure of 5.3%. 7 45
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Managers follow the procedures outlined in the Maximising Attendance Policy to support employees to remain at work, or to return to work after a sickness absence. There are comprehensive employee supports in place and additionally, Personnel Services work in close partnership with line managers and Resource Management Teams on a case management basis to ensure that appropriate actions are taken. 4.2. Occupational Health (Appendix 2) In terms of referrals to occupational health, which include medical examinations and physiotherapy, overall, 54 referrals were made this period. This represents a decrease of 18 when compared with the same period last year. 4.3. Accident/Incident Statistics There were 1 accidents/incidents recorded within the Resource this period, this figure has increased by 1 when compared to the same period last year. 4.4. Discipline, Grievance and Dignity at Work (Appendix 2) During the period, 1 disciplinary hearing was held within the Resource. This figure has decreased by 1 when compared to the same period last year. One appeal was heard by the Appeals Panel. No appeals were in pending. No grievance hearings were raised within the Resource, this figure has remains unchanged when compared to the same period last year. No Dignity at Work complaints were raised within the Resource, this figure remains unchanged when compared to the same period last year. 4.5. Analysis of Leavers (Appendix 2) There was a total of 13 leavers in the Resource this period eligible for an exit interview, an increase of 3 when compared with the same period last year. Three exit interviews were conducted in this period, an increase of 2 when compared to the same period last year. 4.6. When processing an employee termination, managers were asked to identify whether they intended to replace the employee who had left the Council. If they indicated that they did not intend to replace the employee, they were asked to select from the following options:- plan to hold for savings fill on a fixed term basis pending savings transfer budget to another post end of fixed term post 4.7. Appendix 2a provides a breakdown of vacant posts and whether these are being replaced or held for savings. In the period October to December 2023, 21 employees (16.28 FTE) in total left employment, managers indicated that 19 posts (14.28 FTE) were being replaced, 1 post (1.00 FTE) is being held pending a service review and 1 post (1.00 FTE) was planning on being removed for savings. 5. Staffing Watch 5.1. There has been a decrease of 11 in the number of employees in post from 9 September 2023 to 9 December 2023. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. There are no implications for employees arising from the information presented in this report. 46
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7. Financial Implications 7.1. All financial implications are accommodated within existing budgets. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. There are no Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 9. Other Implications 9.1. There are no implications for sustainability or risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 10. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 10.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 10.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Paul Manning Chief Executive 1 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self aware and improving Excellent employer Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources – 6 December 2023 List of Background Papers Monitoring information provided by Finance and Corporate Resources Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Eileen McPake, HR Business Manager Ext: 4647 (Tel: 01698 454647) E-mail: Eileen.McPake@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 47
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2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 2.6 2.8 3.6 April 0.0 0.0 0.0 April 2.6 2.8 3.6 April 4.3 5.6 5.1 May 3.3 3.2 3.9 May 0.0 0.0 0.0 May 3.3 3.2 3.9 May 4.9 5.4 5.1 June 3.5 4.0 4.2 June 0.0 0.0 0.0 June 3.5 4.0 4.2 June 4.7 5.3 4.7 July 3.3 3.9 3.5 July 0.0 0.0 0.0 July 3.3 3.9 3.5 July 4.0 4.6 3.8 August 3.6 4.1 3.8 August 0.0 0.0 0.0 August 3.6 4.1 3.8 August 4.7 4.4 4.1 September 4.0 3.6 3.9 September 0.0 0.0 0.0 September 4.0 3.6 3.9 September 6.4 5.4 5.3 October 3.6 3.8 3.2 October 0.0 0.0 0.0 October 3.6 3.8 3.2 October 6.3 5.8 5.1 November 4.3 3.4 3.5 November 0.0 0.0 0.0 November 4.3 3.4 3.5 November 6.9 6.5 6.2 December 3.8 4.3 3.3 December 0.0 0.0 0.0 December 3.8 4.3 3.3 December 6.9 7.0 6.6 January 3.8 4.3 January 0.0 0.0 January 3.8 4.3 January 7.0 5.8 February 3.4 3.8 February 0.0 0.0 February 3.4 3.8 February 6.6 5.9 March 3.4 3.8 March 0.0 0.0 March 3.4 3.8 March 7.9 6.4 Annual Average 3.6 3.8 3.7 Annual Average 0.0 0.0 0.0 Annual Average 3.6 3.8 3.7 Annual Average 5.9 5.7 5.3 Average Apr-Dec 3.6 3.7 3.7 Average Apr-Dec 0.0 0.0 0.0 Average Apr-Dec 3.6 3.7 3.7 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 5.6 5.1 888 0 888 16185 APT&C Council WideManual Workers No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Resource Total No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Appendix 1 Absence Trends - 2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 Finance and Corporate Resources No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 48
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Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2022 2023 MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS Number of Employees Attending EMPLOYEE COUNSELLING SERVICE Total Number of Referrals PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICE Total Number of Referrals REFERRALS TO EMPLOYEE SUPPORT OFFICER 33 18 REFERRALS TO COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY 0 0 TOTAL 72 54 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2022 2023 Minor 0 1 Total Accidents/Incidents 0 1 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2022 2023 Total Number of Hearings 2 1 Total Number of Appeals 0 1 Appeals Pending 1 0 Time Taken to Convene Hearing October - December 2023 0-3 Weeks 4-6 Weeks Over 6 Weeks 0 1 0 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2022 2023 Number of Grievances 0 0 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2022 2023 Number of Incidents 0 0 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2022 2023 Career Advancement 0 3 Poor relationship with managers / colleagues 1 0 Number of Exit Interviews conducted 1 3 Total Number of Leavers Eligible for Exit Interview 10 13 Percentage of interviews conducted 10% 23% Appendix 2 21 13 0 2 FINANCE & CORPORATE RESOURCES 18 21 CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS *A Specified Injury is any fracture (other than to the fingers, thumbs or toes), amputation, loss of sight, serious burns, crushing injury, scalping, loss of consciousness caused by asphyxiation/ head injury, a chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or penetrating injury as defined by the HSE. **Over 3 day / over 7day absence is an injury sustained outwith specified injury category that results in a period of absence of absence as defined by the HSE. ***Near Miss - Any unexpected, unplanned occurrence (except Dangerous Occurrences) that does not lead to injury of persons, damage to property, plant or equipment but may have done so in different circumstance. ANALYSIS OF REASONS FOR LEAVING ****Physical violent incidents are included in the "Specified" figures, where applicable, to provide the "Total Specified" figures. ****Physical violent incidents and ***** Verbal Violent Incidents are included in the "Over 3-day or Over 7-day" figures, where applicable, to provide the "Total Over 3-day or Over 7-day" figures. ****Physical Violent Incidents and ***** Verbal Violent Incidents are included in the "Minor" figures, where applicable, to provide the "Total Minor" figures. RECORD OF DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS RECORD OF GRIEVANCE HEARINGS RECORD OF DIGNITY AT WORK 49
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FTE H/C FTE H/C Terminations/Leavers 16.28 21 53.24 65 Being replaced 14.28 19 47.84 59 Filling on a temporary basis 0.00 0 1.00 1 Plan to transfer this budget to another post 0.00 0 0.00 0 End of fixed term contract 0.00 0 0.00 0 Held pending service Review 1.00 1 3.40 4 Plan to remove for savings 1.00 1 1.00 1 October - December 2023 Appendix 2a Reason Cumulative total 50
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As at 9 December 2023 Total Number of Employees F/T P/T F/T P/T 192 14 399 225 Chief Officer Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Fixed SCP Teacher TOTAL 8.00 104.29 350.02 216.67 53.28 21.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 753.56 As at 9 September 2023 Total Number of Employees F/T P/T F/T P/T 196 15 400 230 Chief Officer Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Fixed SCP Teacher TOTAL 8.00 111.26 357.34 213.64 50.28 21.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 761.82 Appendix 3 JOINT STAFFING WATCH RETURN FINANCE AND CORPORATE RESOURCES *Full - Time Equivalent No of Employees Salary Bands 830 MALE FEMALE TOTAL *Full - Time Equivalent No of Employees Salary Bands MALE FEMALE TOTAL 841 51
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2023 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Council-wide Workforce Monitoring – October to December 2023 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide employment information relating to the Council for the period October to December 2023 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the following employment information for the period October to December 2023 relating to the Council be noted:- attendance statistics occupational health accident/incident statistics discipline, grievance and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews recruitment monitoring staffing watch as at 9 December 2023 [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. As part of the Council’s performance management arrangements, regular workforce monitoring reports are submitted to the Committee. This report for the Council provides information on the position for the period October to December 2023. 4. Attendance Statistics 4.1. Information on absence statistics for the Council and each Resource, as analysed for December 2023, is provided in Appendices 1 to 8. Points to note are:- The Council’s absence rate for December 2023, shown in Appendix 1, is 6.6%, which represents an increase of 0.4% when compared with last month and the figure has decreased by 0.4% when compared to December 2022. When compared to December 2022, the APT&C absence rate remains unchanged at 6.7%, the teachers’ figure has decreased by 0.5% and the manual workers’ figure has decreased by 1.1%. Based on annual trends and the absence rate to December 2023, the projected average absence rate for the Council for the financial year 2023/2024 is 5.3%. 8 53
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In comparison to December 2022 (Appendix 8):- psychological and musculoskeletal conditions are the main reasons for absence total days lost due to psychological conditions have increased by 123 days total days lost due to musculoskeletal conditions have increased by 67 days total days lost due to respiratory conditions have decreased by 1782 days total days lost due to stomach, bowel, blood and metabolic disorders have increased by 119 days Managers follow the procedures outlined in the Maximising Attendance Policy to support employees to remain at work, or to return to work after a sickness absence. There are comprehensive employee supports in place and additionally, Personnel Services work in close partnership with line managers and Resource Management Teams on a case management basis to ensure that appropriate actions are taken. 5. Occupational Health 5.1. Information on Occupational Health for the period October to December 2023 is provided in Appendix 9:- during the period there were 323 employees referred for a medical examination, a decrease of 84 when compared to the same period last year. Both musculoskeletal and psychological conditions continue to be the main reason for medical referrals a total of 476 employees attended physiotherapy treatment, showing an increase of 30 when compared to the same period last year. Of the 476 employees referred, 72% remained at work whilst undertaking treatment during this period 540 employees were referred to the Employee Support Officer, showing an increase of 26 when compared with the same period last year. Of the referrals made this period, 88% related to personal reasons 169 employees were referred to the PAM Assist counselling service this period, showing an increase of 2 when compared with the same period last year. All the referrals made this period were from management and none were made directly by employees. Personal reasons accounted for 29% of the referrals made, 16% were for work related reasons and 55% was for other reasons 10 employees were referred for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy this period, an increase of 7 when compared to the same period last year 6. Accidents/Incidents 6.1. The accident/incident report for October to December 2023 is contained in Appendix 10:- the number of accidents/incidents recorded was 551, this figure has increased by 72 from the same period last year there were no specified injuries recorded, this figure remains unchanged from the same period last year there were 536 minor accidents/incidents, this figure has increased by 64 from the same period last year there were 3 accidents resulting in an absence lasting over 3 days during the period, this figure has increased by 3 from the same period last year there were 12 accidents resulting in an absence lasting over 7 days during the period, this figure has increased by 5 from the same period last year 54
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7. Discipline, Grievance, Dignity at Work Hearings and Mediation Referrals 7.1. Information on Disciplinary, Grievance Hearings, Dignity at Work and Mediation Referrals for October to December 2023 is contained in Appendices 11, 12a and 12b:- in total, 29 disciplinary hearings were held across Resources within the Council, this figure has decreased by 18 when compared to the same period last year action was taken in 26 of these cases. No appeals were raised against the outcomes our target is to convene disciplinary hearings within 6 weeks, 86% of hearings met this target during the period, 3 appeals were heard by the Appeals Panel, of which all 3 were not upheld. 2 appeals panels were withdrawn at the end of December, 5 Appeals Panels were pending during the period, 1 grievance case was raised during the period, 1 Dignity at Work case was raised during the period, no referrals for mediation was submitted 8. Analysis of Leavers and Exit Interviews 8.1. Information on the number of leavers and exit interviews for the period October to December 2023 is contained in Appendix 13. Exit interviews are conducted with employees who leave voluntarily. Labour Turnover Using information compiled from Resources and Staffing Watch information as at 9 December 2023, the Council’s turnover figure for October to December 2023 is as follows:- 159 leavers eligible for exit interviews/15,242 employees in post = Labour Turnover of 1.0%. Based on the figure at December 2023, the projected annual labour turnover figure for the financial year 2023/2024 for the Council is 4.2%. 8.2. Analysis of Leavers and Exit Interviews there were a total of 159 employees leaving the Council that were eligible for an exit interview, a decrease of 3 when compared with the same period last year there were a total of 53 exit interviews conducted which is a decrease of 2 when compared with same period last year 8.3. When processing an employee termination, managers are asked to identify whether they intend to replace the employee who had left the Council. If they indicate that they do not intend to replace the employee, they are asked to select from four options:- plan to hold for savings fill on a fixed term basis pending savings transfer budget to another post end of fixed term contract 55
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8.4. Appendix 13a provides information relating to vacant posts and whether these are being replaced or held for savings. From October to December 2023, 325 employees (221.03 FTE) left employment. Managers indicated that 306 posts (205.51 FTE) would be replaced, 3 posts (2.27 FTE) were being filled on a temporary basis, 8 posts (5.71 FTE) were due to the end of fixed term contracts, 6 posts (5.54 FTE) were being left vacant pending savings or service reviews and 2 posts (2.00 FTE) are planning to be removed for savings. 9. Recruitment Monitoring 9.1. Information on Recruitment Monitoring for October to December 2023 is contained within Appendix 14. From an analysis of Equal Opportunities Monitoring Forms, the main points to note are:- overall, 3669 applications and 3579 completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Forms were received of those applicants who declared themselves as disabled (119), 64 were shortleeted for interview and 6 were appointed of those applicants of a black/ethnic minority background (451), 96 were shortleeted for interview and 5 were appointed of those applicants who are veterans (44), 25 were shortleeted for interview and no one was appointed 10. Staffing Watch 10.1 There has been a decrease of 69 in the number of employees in post from 9 September 2023 to 9 December 2023. Details of the staffing watch are contained in Appendix 15. 11. Employee Implications 11.1. There are no implications for employees arising from the information presented in this report. 12. Financial Implications 12.1. All financial implications are accommodated within existing budgets. 13. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 13.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications arising from the information presented in this report. 14. Other Implications 14.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 15. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 15.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 56
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15.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Paul Manning Chief Executive 1 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self-aware and improving Excellent employer Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee – 6 December 2023 List of Background Papers Monitoring information provided by Resources Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Elaine Maxwell, HR Business Manager Ext: 4647 (Tel: 01698 454647) E-mail: Elaine.Maxwell@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 57
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2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 4.1 5.2 5.2 April 2.5 2.7 2.8 April 6.2 8.8 7.0 April 4.3 5.6 5.1 May 4.7 5.0 5.1 May 3.2 3.6 3.2 May 6.7 7.6 6.2 May 4.9 5.4 5.1 June 4.4 5.0 4.9 June 2.6 2.6 2.2 June 7.0 8.1 6.5 June 4.7 5.3 4.7 July 4.1 4.5 4.0 July 1.1 1.4 1.1 July 6.3 7.4 5.8 July 4.0 4.6 3.8 August 4.6 4.3 4.2 August 2.0 1.4 1.3 August 7.3 7.4 6.2 August 4.7 4.4 4.1 September 6.1 5.2 5.2 September 4.4 2.8 2.9 September 8.5 8.0 7.6 September 6.4 5.4 5.3 October 6.0 5.7 5.2 October 4.1 3.4 2.7 October 8.7 8.1 7.1 October 6.3 5.8 5.1 November 6.5 6.3 6.1 November 5.6 4.7 4.3 November 8.7 8.6 8.1 November 6.9 6.5 6.2 December 6.2 6.7 6.7 December 6.1 5.3 4.8 December 8.8 8.9 7.8 December 6.9 7.0 6.6 January 6.7 5.2 January 3.9 4.3 January 10.1 8.0 January 7.0 5.8 February 6.5 5.7 February 3.7 4.1 February 9.5 7.9 February 6.6 5.9 March 8.0 6.2 March 4.3 4.6 March 11.3 8.3 March 7.9 6.4 Annual Average 5.7 5.4 5.3 Annual Average 3.6 3.4 3.2 Annual Average 8.3 8.1 7.2 Annual Average 5.9 5.7 5.3 Average Apr-Dec 5.2 5.3 5.2 Average Apr-Dec 3.5 3.1 2.8 Average Apr-Dec 7.6 8.1 6.9 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 5.6 5.1 7660 4012 4513 16185 Appendix 1 Absence Trends - 2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 Council Wide APT&C Teachers No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Manual Workers Council Wide No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 58
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2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 2.3 4.4 3.6 April 5.7 7.3 6.3 April 5.2 6.9 6.0 April 4.3 5.6 5.1 May 2.7 3.9 3.7 May 6.4 6.8 6.3 May 5.9 6.3 5.9 May 4.9 5.4 5.1 June 2.8 3.5 4.3 June 6.6 7.2 5.9 June 6.0 6.7 5.7 June 4.7 5.3 4.7 July 2.9 3.9 2.3 July 5.3 5.9 4.6 July 4.9 5.6 4.3 July 4.0 4.6 3.8 August 2.9 3.4 3.0 August 6.4 6.6 5.2 August 5.9 6.1 4.9 August 4.7 4.4 4.1 September 3.4 3.1 2.5 September 8.2 7.9 7.1 September 7.5 7.1 6.4 September 6.4 5.4 5.3 October 3.8 5.1 2.0 October 7.9 7.5 7.0 October 7.3 7.1 6.3 October 6.3 5.8 5.1 November 3.5 4.2 2.6 November 8.0 8.3 8.1 November 7.3 7.7 7.3 November 6.9 6.5 6.2 December 4.2 3.7 3.0 December 8.0 8.8 7.5 December 7.4 8.0 6.8 December 6.9 7.0 6.6 January 3.6 2.6 January 9.6 7.4 January 8.6 6.7 January 7.0 5.8 February 4.4 3.6 February 9.5 7.4 February 8.7 6.9 February 6.6 5.9 March 6.0 3.9 March 11.0 7.9 March 10.2 7.3 March 7.9 6.4 Annual Average 3.5 3.8 3.1 Annual Average 7.7 7.4 6.7 Annual Average 7.1 6.9 6.2 Annual Average 5.9 5.7 5.3 Average Apr-Dec 3.2 3.9 3.0 Average Apr-Dec 6.9 7.4 6.4 Average Apr-Dec 6.4 6.8 6.0 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 5.6 5.1 530 2906 3436 16185No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Appendix 2 Absence Trends - 2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 Community and Enterprise Resources APT&C Council WideManual Workers Resource Total 59
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2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 4.8 5.5 5.0 April 2.5 2.7 2.8 April 3.5 4.0 3.8 April 4.3 5.6 5.1 May 5.7 5.5 5.4 May 3.2 3.6 3.2 May 4.4 4.5 4.2 May 4.9 5.4 5.1 June 4.7 5.1 4.8 June 2.6 2.6 2.2 June 3.5 3.7 3.4 June 4.7 5.3 4.7 July 3.4 3.8 3.4 July 1.1 1.4 1.1 July 2.1 2.5 2.2 July 4.0 4.6 3.8 August 3.8 3.6 4.0 August 2.0 1.4 1.3 August 2.8 2.4 2.5 August 4.7 4.4 4.1 September 6.4 5.8 5.9 September 4.4 2.8 2.9 September 5.3 4.1 4.3 September 6.4 5.4 5.3 October 6.6 6.5 5.5 October 4.1 3.4 2.7 October 5.2 4.8 4.0 October 6.3 5.8 5.1 November 8.0 7.9 7.1 November 5.6 4.7 4.3 November 6.7 6.2 5.6 November 6.9 6.5 6.2 December 8.0 8.5 8.1 December 6.1 5.3 4.8 December 7.0 6.8 6.3 December 6.9 7.0 6.6 January 8.1 6.1 January 3.9 4.3 January 5.8 5.1 January 7.0 5.8 February 7.2 6.8 February 3.7 4.1 February 5.3 5.4 February 6.6 5.9 March 9.5 7.0 March 4.3 4.6 March 6.7 5.7 March 7.9 6.4 Annual Average 6.4 6.0 5.8 Annual Average 3.6 3.4 3.2 Annual Average 4.9 4.6 4.4 Annual Average 5.9 5.7 5.3 Average Apr-Dec 5.7 5.8 5.5 Average Apr-Dec 3.5 3.1 2.8 Average Apr-Dec 4.5 4.3 4.0 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 5.6 5.1 3491 4012 7503 16185 Resource Total No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Appendix 3 Absence Trends - 2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 Education Resources Council WideAPT&C Teachers 60
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2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 2.6 2.8 3.6 April 0.0 0.0 0.0 April 2.6 2.8 3.6 April 4.3 5.6 5.1 May 3.3 3.2 3.9 May 0.0 0.0 0.0 May 3.3 3.2 3.9 May 4.9 5.4 5.1 June 3.5 4.0 4.2 June 0.0 0.0 0.0 June 3.5 4.0 4.2 June 4.7 5.3 4.7 July 3.3 3.9 3.5 July 0.0 0.0 0.0 July 3.3 3.9 3.5 July 4.0 4.6 3.8 August 3.6 4.1 3.8 August 0.0 0.0 0.0 August 3.6 4.1 3.8 August 4.7 4.4 4.1 September 4.0 3.6 3.9 September 0.0 0.0 0.0 September 4.0 3.6 3.9 September 6.4 5.4 5.3 October 3.6 3.8 3.2 October 0.0 0.0 0.0 October 3.6 3.8 3.2 October 6.3 5.8 5.1 November 4.3 3.4 3.5 November 0.0 0.0 0.0 November 4.3 3.4 3.5 November 6.9 6.5 6.2 December 3.8 4.3 3.3 December 0.0 0.0 0.0 December 3.8 4.3 3.3 December 6.9 7.0 6.6 January 3.8 4.3 January 0.0 0.0 January 3.8 4.3 January 7.0 5.8 February 3.4 3.8 February 0.0 0.0 February 3.4 3.8 February 6.6 5.9 March 3.4 3.8 March 0.0 0.0 March 3.4 3.8 March 7.9 6.4 Annual Average 3.6 3.8 3.7 Annual Average 0.0 0.0 0.0 Annual Average 3.6 3.8 3.7 Annual Average 5.9 5.7 5.3 Average Apr-Dec 3.6 3.7 3.7 Average Apr-Dec 0.0 0.0 0.0 Average Apr-Dec 3.6 3.7 3.7 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 5.6 5.1 888 0 888 16185 APT&C Council WideManual Workers No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Resource Total No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Appendix 4 Absence Trends - 2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 Finance and Corporate Resources No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 61
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2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 3.2 5.5 5.7 April 3.6 10.6 6.9 April 3.3 7.6 6.2 April 4.3 5.6 5.1 May 2.9 4.5 4.9 May 4.2 8.1 6.1 May 3.4 6.0 5.4 May 4.9 5.4 5.1 June 3.5 4.9 5.4 June 6.2 8.5 6.8 June 4.6 6.4 6.0 June 4.7 5.3 4.7 July 4.0 5.5 5.0 July 5.7 8.9 8.1 July 4.7 6.9 6.2 July 4.0 4.6 3.8 August 4.9 4.7 5.1 August 7.9 7.1 8.5 August 6.2 5.7 6.4 August 4.7 4.4 4.1 September 5.8 4.5 4.7 September 8.1 6.3 7.8 September 6.8 5.2 6.0 September 6.4 5.4 5.3 October 5.2 4.3 4.9 October 9.0 7.8 5.2 October 6.8 5.8 5.0 October 6.3 5.8 5.1 November 5.7 4.6 4.8 November 9.2 7.8 6.7 November 7.2 5.9 5.6 November 6.9 6.5 6.2 December 4.6 4.4 5.1 December 9.5 7.2 7.4 December 6.7 5.6 6.0 December 6.9 7.0 6.6 January 5.2 4.5 January 8.8 5.5 January 6.7 4.9 January 7.0 5.8 February 6.4 4.4 February 8.5 6.2 February 7.3 5.1 February 6.6 5.9 March 7.8 5.3 March 10.7 6.8 March 9.0 5.9 March 7.9 6.4 Annual Average 4.9 4.8 5.0 Annual Average 7.6 7.6 6.8 Annual Average 6.1 5.9 5.7 Annual Average 5.9 5.7 5.3 Average Apr-Dec 4.4 4.8 5.1 Average Apr-Dec 7.0 8.0 7.1 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 6.1 5.9 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 5.6 5.1 883 558 1441 16185 Council Wide No of Employees at 31 December 2023No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Appendix 5 Housing & Technical Resources Resource Total Absence Trends - 2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 APT&C Manual Workers 62
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2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 4.5 6.2 6.5 April 9.6 12.6 9.4 April 6.2 8.3 7.4 April 4.3 5.6 5.1 May 5.0 5.7 5.8 May 9.3 10.1 8.4 May 6.5 7.1 6.6 May 4.9 5.4 5.1 June 3.9 5.9 5.5 June 7.6 11.3 8.6 June 5.2 7.6 6.5 June 4.7 5.3 4.7 July 6.1 6.0 5.4 July 10.3 11.8 8.8 July 7.5 7.9 6.5 July 4.0 4.6 3.8 August 7.3 6.0 4.8 August 10.2 10.8 8.6 August 8.2 7.5 6.0 August 4.7 4.4 4.1 September 7.6 5.9 5.6 September 10.3 9.6 9.3 September 8.5 7.1 6.8 September 6.4 5.4 5.3 October 6.9 5.8 6.5 October 11.3 10.4 8.5 October 8.4 7.3 7.1 October 6.3 5.8 5.1 November 6.2 6.0 7.3 November 10.8 10.4 9.0 November 7.7 7.4 7.8 November 6.9 6.5 6.2 December 5.5 6.4 7.4 December 11.1 10.6 9.5 December 7.3 7.7 8.1 December 6.9 7.0 6.6 January 7.4 5.2 January 13.0 12.0 January 9.2 7.4 January 7.0 5.8 February 7.5 5.8 February 10.1 11.0 February 8.3 7.5 February 6.6 5.9 March 8.0 7.0 March 12.8 10.9 March 9.5 8.2 March 7.9 6.4 Annual Average 6.3 6.0 6.1 Annual Average 10.5 11.0 9.5 Annual Average 7.7 7.6 7.2 Annual Average 5.9 5.7 5.3 Average Apr-Dec 5.9 6.0 6.1 Average Apr-Dec 10.1 10.8 8.9 Average Apr-Dec 7.3 7.5 7.0 Average Apr-Dec 5.5 5.6 5.1 1868 1049 2917 16185 Manual Workers No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 No of Employees at 31 December 2023 Appendix 6 Absence Trends - 2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 Social Work Resources APT&C Council WideResource Total 63
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Appendix 7 Absence by long and short term From: 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023 Community and Enterprise 3436 2.1 4.2 6.3 2.7 4.6 7.3 2.3 4.5 6.8 Education 7503 1.5 2.5 4.0 2.5 3.1 5.6 2.3 4.0 6.3 Finance and Corporate 888 1.1 2.1 3.2 1.4 2.1 3.5 1.3 2.0 3.3 Housing & Technical 1441 2.1 2.9 5.0 2.3 3.3 5.6 2.0 4.0 6.0 Social Work 2917 2.3 4.8 7.1 3.0 4.8 7.8 4.2 3.9 8.1 Council Overall for October 2023 to December 2023 16185 1.8 3.3 5.1 2.5 3.7 6.2 2.5 4.1 6.6 Resource Total Absence % November 2023 Total Short Term % Total Long Term % December 2023 Total Short Term % Total Long Term % Resource Total Absence % Resource No of employees October 2023 Total Short Term % Total Long Term % Resource Total Absence % 64
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From : 1 December 2023 - 31 December 2023 Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Musculoskeletal 1344 28 1300 14 77 14 424 25 815 19 3960 19 Psychological 1407 29 3387 36 188 34 547 32 1660 40 7189 35 Stomach, Bowel, Blood, Metabolic Disorders 405 8 1047 11 61 11 162 10 455 11 2130 10 Respiratory 761 16 1750 19 121 22 274 16 437 10 3343 16 Other Classification 856 18 1941 21 111 20 292 17 834 20 4034 20 Total Days Lost By Resource 4773 100 9425 100 558 100 1699 100 4201 100 20656 100 Total Work Days Available From : 1 December 2022 - 31 December 2022 Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Musculoskeletal 1416 24 1027 10 90 11 498 30 862 21 3893 17 Psychological 1659 29 3486 33 384 46 328 20 1209 30 7066 31 Stomach, Bowel, Blood, Metabolic Disorders 405 7 1041 10 55 7 115 7 395 10 2011 9 Respiratory 1198 21 2696 26 113 14 380 23 738 18 5125 23 Other Classification 1141 20 2181 21 190 23 315 19 816 20 4643 20 Total Days Lost By Resource 5819 100 10431 100 832 100 1636 100 4020 100 22738 100 Total Work Days Available *WDL = Work Days Lost 52210293481923615338672489 PercentageTotal WDL By ReasonREASONS Community and Enterprise Resources Education Resources Finance and Corporate Housing and Technical Resources Social Work Resources Appendix 8 Attendance Monitoring Absence Classification Reasons Community and Enterprise Resources Social Work Resources Total WDL By Reason 69981 148432 16807 Percentage Housing and Technical Resources Education Resources Finance and Corporate 28302 51755 65
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Appendix 9 Teachers Others 92 27 50 13 52 89 104 42 61 21 60 119 Oct - Dec 2022 Oct - Dec 2023 Oct - Dec 2022 Oct - Dec 2023 Oct - Dec 2022 Oct - Dec 2023 106 128 108 100 0 0 70 76 243 256 1 2 102 83 33 18 0 0 18 21 32 34 0 2 49 61 98 132 Social Work 0 2 101 107 514 540 Not Disclosed 2 4 446 476 Total 3 10 M S M S M S M S M S M S Total (Oct - Dec 2023) 27 0 0 0 49 0 62 0 31 0 169 0 Total (Oct - Dec 2022) 38 0 0 0 108 0 0 0 21 0 167 0 Total 169 167 M = MANAGEMENT REFERRAL S = SELF REFERRAL Total Referrals (Oct - Dec 2022) No of Employees Referred For Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Analysis of Counselling Referrals by Cause Reason Work Stress Addiction Personal Anxiety/ Depression Bereavement No of Employees Referred For Physiotherapy Total Referrals (Oct - Dec 2023) From: 1 October - 31 December 2023 comparison with 1 October - 31 December 2022 Medical Referrals Community and Enterprise Education Finance and Corporate Housing & Technical Social Work Totals Total (Oct - Dec 2023) 323 Total (Oct - Dec 2022) Finance and Corporate Housing and TechnicalFinance and Corporate Housing and Technical 407 No of Employees Referred To Employee Support Officer Education Finance and Corporate Education Social Work Housing and Technical Resource Community and Enterprise Total Occupational Health Reports Total Social Work Resource Community and Enterprise Education (Teachers) Education (Others) Total Resource Community and Enterprise 66
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2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 Specified Injury 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Violent Incident: Physical 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Specified Injury* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Over 7-day 4 7 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 2 7 12 Violent Incident: Physical 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Violent Incident: Verbal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Over 7-day** 4 7 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 2 7 12 Over 3-day 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 Violent Incident: Physical 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Violent Incident: Verbal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Over 3-day** 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 Minor 14 26 10 14 0 1 5 5 14 17 43 63 Near Miss 4 11 1 7 0 0 2 0 0 2 7 20 Violent Incident: Physical 3 4 391 368 0 0 1 0 8 29 403 401 Violent Incident: Verbal 7 3 9 45 0 0 1 0 2 4 19 52 Total Minor*** 28 44 411 434 0 1 9 5 24 52 472 536 Total Accidents/Incidents 32 51 412 438 0 1 9 6 26 55 479 551 *A Specified Injury is any fracture (other than to the fingers, thumbs or toes), amputation, loss of sight, serious burns, crushing injury, scalping, loss of consciousness caused by asphyxiation/ head injury, a chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or penetrating injury as defined by the HSE. **Over 3 day / over 7day absence is an injury sustained outwith specified injury category that results in a period of absence of absence as defined by the HSE. *** A minor injury is an injury not covered by " Over 7-day", "Over 3-day" or "Specified". Comparison Cause of Accidents/ Incidents to employees Appendix 10 Social Work TOTALCommunity and Enterprise Education From: 1 October - 31 December 2023 comparison with 1 October - 31 December 2022 Finance and Corporate Housing & Tech Analysis of Accidents/ Incidents 67
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APT&C Manual / Craft Teachers Total APT&C Manual / Craft Teachers Total Community and Enterprise 0 17 N/A 17 0 2 N/A 2 0 15 N/A 15 13 2 2 88% 17 Education 1 1 2 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 4 3 0 1 75% 4 Finance and Corporate 1 0 N/A 1 0 0 N/A 0 1 0 N/A 1 0 1 0 100% 1 Housing and Technical 1 0 N/A 1 0 0 N/A 0 1 0 N/A 1 0 1 0 100% 1 Social Work 2 4 N/A 6 0 1 N/A 1 2 3 N/A 5 4 1 1 83% 6 Total (Oct - Dec 2023) 5 22 2 29 0 3 0 3 5 19 2 26 20 5 4 86% 29 Total (Oct - Dec 2022) 9 37 1 47 1 2 0 3 8 35 1 44 25 10 12 74% 47 APT&C Manual/ Craft Teachers Total APT&C Manual/ Craft Teachers Total APT&C Manual/ Craft Teachers Total Total (Oct - Dec 2023) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total (Oct - Dec 2022) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *Resources nil responses are not included in figures Appeal's Panel From: 1 October - 31 December 2023 Appeal's Panel Total 30 Appendix 11 Outcome of Appeals Not Upheld From: 1 October - 31 December 2023 comparison with 1 October - 31 December 2022 Appeals pending to date Record of Disciplinary Hearings No of weeks to convene Disciplinary Hearing Total 5 % Held within 6 Weeks No of Appeals No Action APT&C 4-6 6+3Teachers Total No of Disciplinary Hearings Upheld APT&C Upheld in Part Teachers 3 Resource Resource Action Taken Upheld Upheld in Part Manual/ Craft Outcome of Disciplinary Hearings Manual/ Craft 2 Withdrawn 0 Not Upheld Total Appeals Pending 68
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Appendix 12a Record of Grievances From: 1 October - 31 December 2023 comparison with 1 October - 31 December 2022 Grievances No of Grievances No Resolved at Stage 1 No Resolved at Stage 2 No Resolved at Stage 3 Still in Process Total (Oct - Dec 2023) 1 0 1 0 0 Total (Oct - Dec 2022) 7 1 6 0 0 Dignity at Work Dignity at Work No of Incidents No Resolved at Informal Stage No Resolved at Formal Stage No of Appeals Appeals in Process Still in Process Total (Oct - Dec 2023) 1 0 0 0 0 1 Total (Oct - Dec 2022) 0 0 0 0 0 0 From: 1 October - 31 December 2023 comparison with 1 October - 31 December 2022 69
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Appendix 12b Referrals for Workplace Mediation Workplace Mediation Oct-23 Nov-23 Dec-23 No of Referrals 0 0 0 *No of Successful Cases 1 0 0 *No of Unsuccessful Cases 0 0 0 No of cases unsuitable for mediation 0 0 0 Workplace Mediation Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22 No of Referrals 0 0 0 *No of Successful Cases 1 0 0 *No of Unsuccessful Cases 0 0 0 No of cases unsuitable for mediation 0 1 0 As at December 2023 *successful/unsuccessful case outcomes may be shown outwith the month they were referred. 70
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Appendix 13 From 1 October - 31 December 2023 Reason for leaving Community and Enterprise Education Finance and Corporate Housing & Technical Social Work Total % Career Advancement 7 9 3 1 7 27 51% Personal Reasons 0 5 0 1 3 9 12% Moving outwith area 2 3 0 0 2 7 4% Poor relationship with managers / colleagues 2 0 0 1 0 3 4% Disatisfaction with terms and conditions 1 1 0 0 0 2 3% Travelling difficulties 0 0 0 0 1 1 0% Other 3 0 0 0 1 4 18% Number of exit interviews conducted 15 18 3 3 14 53 Total no. of leavers per Resource eligible for an exit interview 41 47 13 21 37 159 % of leavers interviewed 37% 38% 23% 14% 38% 33% From 1 October - 31 December 2022 Number of exit interviews conducted 9 18 1 4 23 55 Total no. of leavers per Resource eligible for an exit interview 46 37 10 9 60 162 % of leavers interviewed 20% 49% 10% 44% 38% 34% * Note these totals include temporary employees Analysis of leavers and exit interviews 71
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Resource Total FTE* Total H/C** FTE H/C FTE H/C FTE H/C FTE H/C FTE H/C FTE H/C Community & Enterprise 60.99 106.00 54.72 99.00 2.27 3.00 0.00 0.00 4.00 4.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Education 56.18 79.00 54.64 77.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.54 2.00 0.00 0.00 Finance & Corporate 16.28 21.00 14.28 19.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Housing & Technical 31.30 40.00 27.59 36.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.71 2.00 2.00 2.00 0.00 0.00 Social Work 56.28 79.00 54.28 75.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Total 221.03 325 205.51 306 2.27 3 0.00 0 5.71 8 5.54 6 2.00 2 Cumulative Grand Total 943.18 1319 900.29 1233 7.56 40 0.95 1 13.01 19 17.84 21 3.53 5 Appendix 13a October to December 2023 Number of leavers Replace Employee Filling on a temp basis Plan to transfer this budget to another post End of fixed term post Leave vacant pending savings or service review Plan to remove for savings 72
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Appendix 14 Applied Interviewed Appointed % of Applicants interviewed % of Applicants appointed % of Interviewees appointed 3579 1085 223 30% 6% 21% 1160 358 68 31% 6% 19% 2406 721 145 30% 6% 20% 119 64 6 54% 5% 9% 2836 841 173 30% 6% 21% 710 237 40 33% 6% 17% 3083 974 207 32% 7% 21% 451 96 5 21% 1% 5% 44 25 0 57% 0% 0% Applied Interviewed Appointed % of Applicants interviewed % of Applicants appointed % of Interviewees appointed 2533 1094 435 43% 17% 40% 683 304 101 45% 15% 33% 1840 788 322 43% 18% 41% 62 31 5 50% 8% 16% 2026 835 327 41% 16% 39% 472 245 90 52% 19% 37% 2338 1046 409 45% 17% 39% 162 38 12 23% 7% 32% 32 24 0 75% 0% 0% Total Number of appointments: 465 Total Number of applications received: 2579 Total No of Male Applicants Total No of Disabled Applicants Total No of applicants aged under 50 678 3669 Total Number of Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms received: 3579 Total Number of posts recruited for: *Black/Ethnic Minority applicants includes Mixed, Asian, Black and other backgrounds. Total Number of Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms received: 2533 Total No of applicants aged over 50 Total Number of posts recruited for: Total No of Veteran applicants Total EO Forms Received Total No of White applicants Total No of Black/Ethnic minority applicants* Total No of Male Applicants Total No of Female Applicants Total No of Disabled Applicants Total No of applicants aged under 50 Gender / Disability / Age *Black/Ethnic Minority applicants includes Mixed, Asian, Black and other backgrounds. Total No of White applicants Total No of Black/Ethnic minority applicants* Recruitment Monitoring Analysis of Gender, Disability, Ethnicity and Age From : 1 October - 31 December 2023 From : 1 July - 30 September 2022 332 Total Number of applications received: Total Number of appointments: 252 Total No of Veteran applicants Total No of applicants aged over 50 Total No of Female Applicants Gender / Disability / Age Total EO Forms Received 73
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Resource Total F/T P/T F/T P/T Total Chief Officer Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Fixed SCP Teacher Community & Enterprise Resources 3114 1222 269 202 1421 2188.21 5.00 1514.30 359.98 244.18 44.05 15.70 0.00 5.00 0.00 Education - Others 3309 125 96 668 2420 2415.94 4.00 1184.67 959.54 143.27 46.00 11.00 0.00 62.66 4.80 Education - Teachers 3915 698 81 2217 919 3528.45 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 6.60 3520.85 Finance & Corporate Resources 830 192 14 399 225 753.56 8.00 104.29 350.02 216.67 53.28 21.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 Housing & Technical 1278 791 24 330 133 1217.72 3.00 200.18 619.36 355.58 29.60 10.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Social Work Resources 2727 200 210 1001 1316 2386.18 3.00 333.37 1458.96 525.30 31.80 33.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 8961.61 (excluding Teachers) Total All Staff 15173 3228 694 4817 6434 12490.06 23.00 3336.81 3747.86 1485.00 204.73 92.75 0.00 74.26 3525.65 Resource Total F/T P/T F/T P/T Total Chief Officer Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Fixed SCP Teacher Community & Enterprise Resources 3140 1248 260 204 1428 2213.56 5.00 1535.63 371.38 236.50 44.05 16.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 Education - Others 3296 130 94 672 2400 2414.69 4.00 1185.77 951.66 144.40 49.60 10.00 0.00 62.46 6.80 Education - Teachers 3923 700 81 2235 907 3539.95 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 6.60 3532.35 Finance & Corporate Resources 841 196 15 400 230 761.82 8.00 111.26 357.34 213.64 50.28 21.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 Housing & Technical 1286 802 25 332 127 1228.24 3.00 205.10 623.16 357.38 29.60 10.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Social Work Resources 2756 199 207 1004 1346 2411.06 3.00 350.14 1461.14 529.23 36.80 30.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 9029.37 (excluding Teachers) Total All Staff 15242 3275 682 4847 6438 12569.32 23.00 3387.90 3764.68 1481.15 210.33 89.05 0.00 74.06 3539.15 QUARTERLYJOINT STAFFING WATCH RETURN : NUMBER EMPLOYED ON 9 DECEMBER 2023 Analysis by Resource Analysis by Resource Appendix 15 Total Number of Employees Full-Time Equivalent Male Female Salary Band Total Number of Employees Full-Time Equivalent Male Female Salary Band QUARTERLYJOINT STAFFING WATCH RETURN : NUMBER EMPLOYED ON 9 SEPTEMBER 2023 74
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2024 Report by: Head of Finance (Strategy), Finance and Corporate Resources Subject: Treasury Management Activity – 2023/2024 Third Quarter Review 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide a third quarter review of Treasury Management Activity for 2023/2024 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the contents of this report be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1 In order to provide members with information on the Council’s Treasury Management activities, a quarterly report is presented to this Committee. This report covers the period 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023. 4. Market Performance 4.1. At the time of writing the base rate was 5.25% and the Bank of England Asset Purchase Programme (commonly referred to as its policy of quantitative easing) was £738bn. The Council’s Treasury Management Advisers are predicting that the base rate has now peaked and will begin to fall during the second quarter of 2024/2025. 5. Debt Management and Borrowing Strategy 5.1. The Council began the year with debt of £1,036.302m with fixed rate loans from the Public Works Loans Board (PWLB) making up 99.18% of the debt. 5.2. Table 1 shows the movement in borrowing from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023. Short term borrowing reflects borrowing which will mature in the coming year, or where the debt can be recalled in the coming year. 9 75
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Table 1 – Movement in Borrowing to 31 December 2023 Balance at 01/04/2023 £m New Borrowing £m Debt Maturing £m Debt Repaid £m Balance at 31/12/2023 £m Increase/ Decrease in Borrowing £m Short Term Borrowing 21.770 0.000 (21.770) 0.000 0.000 (21.770) Long Term Borrowing 1,014.532 0.000 0.00 0.000 1,014.532 0.000 TOTAL BORROWING 1,036.302 0.000 (21.770) 0.000 1,014.532 (21.770) 5.3. In 2012/2013, HM Treasury introduced a “certainty rate” to enable eligible local authorities to access cheaper PWLB funding, with a 20 basis point (0.20%) reduction on the standard rate. South Lanarkshire Council has access to this reduced rate. 5.4. The Council has an expected funding requirement of £266.257 million for 2023/2024 including £166.307 million carried over from 2022/2023. The report to South Lanarkshire Council on Service Concessions in January 2023 introduced a strategy that recognised the level of reserves and cash balances held by the council to reduce the need to borrow for this funding requirement. After taking these into account, the council has an expected borrowing requirement of £73.855 million for 2023/2024. 5.5. The Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), under delegated powers, will continue to take the most appropriate form of borrowing depending on the prevailing interest rates at the time, taking into consideration the differential between investment earnings and debt costs that remains high. 5.6. No borrowing has been taken so far in the current financial year. Instead, cash balances have been used to fund capital spend. Borrowing to replace these balances will be required going forward. 6. Investment Activity 6.1. On a daily basis, the Treasury Management section within Finance and Corporate Resources manages the Council’s cash balances. These balances can result from day-to-day cash flow situations where income has been received before expenditure has taken place, and from the balances held in earmarked reserves for use at a later date. It is the responsibility of the section to manage these funds. The primary consideration when making deposits is the security of funds. Secondary to this, consideration is given to ensuring we have access to funds when necessary, and that these funds are working as well as they can for the Council. 6.2. The Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy Report for 2023/2024 was approved by South Lanarkshire Council on 22 February 2023. This included details of permitted investments for the Council. 6.3. Prior to depositing funds with any bank or building society, checks are made with the Council’s treasury adviser, Link Asset Services, that the institution is considered safe and that any deposit conforms to their recommended time duration as determined by their Rating Methodology. This methodology uses credit ratings, rating watches and outlooks and credit default swap (CDS) prices to establish a suggested time duration for deposits. 76
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6.4. Deposits made in the period 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023 totalled £1,200.332 million. This is the cumulative deposits placed over this period. This is broken down per sector and institution in Table 2. 82.23% of these deposits were made with the UK Government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) deposit facility. 6.5. In order to manage their cash flow over the short term, local authorities, as part of normal treasury management activity, will place money on deposit with other local authorities. Deposits placed with other local authorities account for 15.69% of deposits. The remaining 2.08% was placed in instant access call accounts with Bank of Scotland and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Table 2 – Investment Activity 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023 Counterparty Deposit Totals (£m) % of Total Deposits Average Interest Rate Deposits in UK Government Debt Management Account Deposit Facility 987.000 82.23% 4.84% Total Deposits in UK Government 987.000 82.23% 4.84% Deposits in UK Local Authorities 188.300 15.69% 5.15% Deposits in UK Banks and Building Societies: Bank of Scotland 22.732 1.89% 4.61% Royal Bank of Scotland 2.300 0.19% 1.00% Total Deposits in UK Banks and Building Societies 25.032 2.08% 4.28% Total Deposits 01/04/2023 to 31/12/2023 1,200.332 100.00% 4.88% 6.6. The average interest rates achieved from the deposits are also shown in Table 3. Interest rates achievable for deposits have been increasing, however there is still a differential between these and the rates at which the Council can borrow. 6.7. Actual deposits as at 31 December 2023 totalled £108.678 million. 7. Management of Risk 7.1. It is recognised that no Treasury Management activity is without risk and practices are put in place in order to limit risk. As noted in section 6.2, the Treasury Management Strategy was approved in February 2023 and set a framework for Treasury Management activities in 2023/2024. It also set limits on debt and investments in order to mitigate risks. 7.2. The Annual Investment Strategy for 2023/2024, also approved in February 2023, included details on how risk would be managed for all permitted investments. This included criteria for placing deposits with the Debt Management Office (DMO), UK Local Authorities, Banks and Building Societies and Money Market Funds. 77
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7.3. Part of the criteria for counterparties is meeting minimum credit ratings with the three main rating agencies. A credit rating evaluates the credit worthiness of an organisation. It is an evaluation made by a credit rating agency of the organisation’s ability to pay back the debt and the likelihood of default. 7.4. Tables 3 to 5 show a breakdown of deposits with details of the credit ratings of banks and building societies used from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023. Deposits with the DMO are with the UK Government and so have a rating equivalent to the UK’s sovereign rating. Deposits with local authorities are considered to be of very high credit quality. Table 3 – Fitch Ratings Long Term Rating Short Term Rating Deposits Totals Percentage of Total Deposits Deposits with DMO / UK Government (AA-) 987.000m 82.23% Deposits with Local Authorities 188.300m 15.69% A+ F1 25.032m 2.08% Total 1,200.332m 100.00% Table 4 – Moody’s Ratings Long Term Rating Short Term Rating Deposits Totals Percentage of Total Deposits Deposits with DMO / UK Government (Aa3) 987.000m 82.23% Deposits with Local Authorities 188.300m 15.69% A1 P-1 25.032m 2.08% Total 1,200.332m 100.00% Table 5 – Standard and Poor’s Ratings Long Term Rating Short Term Rating Deposits Totals Percentage of Total Deposits Deposits with DMO / UK Government (AA) 987.000m 82.23% Deposits with Local Authorities 188.300m 15.69% A+ A-1 22.732m 1.89% A A-1 2.300m 0.19% Total 1,200.332m 100.00% 7.5. The tables above show that 97.92% of deposits were made with counterparties of very high credit quality (DMO / UK Government and other local authorities). The remaining 2.08% were deposits in instant access accounts with Bank of Scotland and The Royal Bank of Scotland. 7.6. The graph at Appendix 1 shows the duration of deposits made from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023. The graph shows that, since 1 April 2023, all deposits have been made for 1 year or less. The maximum maturity period of 183 days was for a deposit of £5.000 million. 8. Next Quarter Investment Plans 8.1. The current investment framework will be continued in the next quarter. Deposits will continue to be placed with the institutions where their ratings are consistent with the Council’s approved criteria. Deposits will also continue to be placed with the DMO and UK local authorities. 78
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8.2. Treasury Bills will be used when they return a higher yield than deposits in the DMO for the same, very low risk. 8.3. We will continue to work with our Treasury Management Advisers, Link, to ensure we gain all information available on counterparties before any deposits are made. 9. Treasury Management Indicators 9.1. The purpose of these indicators is to contain the activity of the treasury function within certain limits, thereby managing risk and reducing the impact of an adverse movement in interest rates. However, if these are set to restrictive limits, they will impair the opportunities to reduce costs or improve performance. The indicators are detailed in sections 9.2 to 9.5. 9.2. Limits for External Debt: The operational and authorised limits for external debt for 2022/2023 were set in the Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy 2023/2024 approved by South Lanarkshire Council on 22 February 2023. These are shown in Table 6, along with a column showing the difference between the actual debt level and the limits (headroom). Table 6 – Limits for External Debt Estimate as per 2023/24 Strategy Minimum Headroom to Limits in period Headroom as at 31/12/2023 £m £m £m Operational Limit for external debt 1,270.000 233.698 255.468 Authorised Limit for external debt 1,290.000 253.698 275.468 9.3. The indicator shows that we have not breached the operational and authorised limits to 31 December 2023. There has been a minimum level of headroom of £253.698 million between actual and authorised level for external debt in the period to 31 December 2023. 9.4. Limits on Maturity Structure: By setting limits on the maturity structure of borrowing, the exposure to large concentrations of debt needing to be replaced at the same time in the future at currently unknown rates can be limited. This effectively places a limit on exposure to longer term interest rate movement. This is shown in Table 7. Table 7 – Limits on Maturity Structure Maturity Structure of Borrowing Upper Limit Lower Limit Maximum for period to 31/12/23 Actuals as at 31/12/23 Under 12 months 30.00% 0.00% 2.10% 0.00% 12 months and 24 months 30.00% 0.00% 3.33% 3.33% 24 months and 5 years 50.00% 0.00% 25.66% 25.66% 5 years and 10 years 60.00% 0.00% 33.13% 33.13% 10 years and 20 years 60.00% 0.00% 4.29% 4.29% 20 years and 30 years 70.00% 0.00% 11.35% 11.35% 30 years and 40 years 80.00% 0.00% 22.24% 22.24% 40 years and 50 years 90.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 50 years and above 90% 0% 0.00% 0.00% 79
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9.5. The indicator shows that the upper limits for all maturity profiles have not been breached to 31 December 2023. 10. Employee Implications 10.1. There are no employee implications. 11. Financial Implications 11.1. Any deposit interest received offsets Loan Charges made to the Council’s Revenue budget. 11.2. The costs of borrowing for capital expenditure have been built into the long-term Revenue Budget Strategy. 12. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 12.1. There are no implications for climate change or sustainability in terms of the information contained in this report. 12.2. There is also no requirement to carry out an environmental impact assessment in terms of the information contained within this report. 13. Other Implications (Including Environmental and Risk Issues) 13.1. Section 7 of this report provides details of how investment risk is managed. 14. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 14.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 14.2. There is no requirement to carry out any consultation in terms of the information provided in this report. Jackie Taylor Head of Finance (Strategy) 9 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy 2023/2024, South Lanarkshire Council, 22 February 2023 Treasury Management Activity – 2023/2024 First Quarter Review, 27 September 2023 Treasury Management Activity – 2023/2024 Second Quarter Review, 6 December 2023 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Jackie Taylor, Head of Finance Ext: 5637 (Tel: 01698 455637) E-mail: jackie.taylor@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 80
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Appendix 1 81
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2024 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Revenue Collection and Approval for Write Offs 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- advise Committee of Revenue Collection performance for financial year 2023/2024 to 31 January 2024 advise Committee of the position regarding the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme (BRIS) seek approval for write offs 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that performance in the collection of revenue be noted; (2) that the current position in respect of BRIS be noted; and (3) that write offs for the following be approved:- Council Tax £367,627.63 Non-Domestic Rates £308,194.95 BID Levy £3,649.55 Sundry Debt £476,867.06 Housing Rent and associated charges £2,230,788.77 3. Background 3.1. Responsibility for the collection of Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) and Sundry Debt is the responsibility of Finance and Corporate Resources. This report and the attached appendix provide information on collection performance and proposals for write off. 4. Current Collection Performance 4.1. The first table in Appendix 1 presents the collection performance for Council Tax, NDR and Sundry Debts for financial year 2023/2024. 4.2. The annual Council Tax collection target for 2023/2024 has been set at 95.2%. Council Tax collection is currently 94.56%, ahead of target by 0.24% but behind comparable performance in 2022/2023 by 1.18%. Due to the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living Award being allocated as an up-front cash payment at the beginning of 2022/2023, a comparison with the same period in 2023/2024 is not on a like-for- like basis. 10 83
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4.3. A Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) collection target of 97.0% has been set for 2023/2024. NDR collection is currently 92.2%, ahead of target by 0.3% and behind comparable performance in 2022/2023 by 0.6%. The reduction in comparable performance is due to the profile of payments received in comparison with the same period last year. 4.4. The 2023/2024 annual target for Sundry Debt collection has been set at 97.0%. Sundry Debt collection to 31 January 2024 was 97.3%, ahead of target by 0.3% and ahead of comparable performance in 2022/2023 by 1.7%. 5. Arrears Collection Performance 5.1. Arrears collection performance for Council Tax, NDR and Sundry Debt is presented in the second table of Appendix 1. 5.2. The 2023/2024 arrears annual target for Council Tax has been set at £3.000 million, with collection to 31 January 2024 of £2.828 million, ahead of target by £0.301 million (10.0%) but behind comparable performance in 2022/2023 by £0.432 million. 5.3. The 2023/2024 arrears target for NDR has been set at £2.000 million, with collection to 31 January 2024 of £2.263 million, ahead of target by £0.378 million (18.9%) but behind comparable performance in 2022/2023 by £0.760 million. 5.4. The 2023/2024 arrears target for Sundry Debt has been set at £9.519 million, with collection to 31 January 2024 of £8.863 million, behind target by 0.4% and behind comparable performance in 2022/2023 by 2.4%. 6. Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme 6.1. The Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme (BRIS) is a Scottish Government initiative to incentivise growth of the local business tax base, with a view to increasing NDR income yields. 6.2. The Scottish Government sets annual targets for growth (buoyancy) and councils who achieve their target retain 50% of the additional income generated above the target. The buoyancy target is a measure of the increase in the total rateable value of the non-domestic properties on the Valuation Roll (including certain categories of public undertakings). 6.3. Following a period of suspension due to the impact of Covid-19 from 2020/2021 to 2022/2023, the Scottish Government have advised of the re-instatement of the scheme, providing provisional targets for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 of 1.20% and 1.10% respectively. Year to date performance is 1% with the position being closely monitored to the end of the financial year. 7. Proposals for Write Off 7.1. Approval for write off of the following irrecoverable debts is requested from Committee. The Council has the power to write off accounts where the debtor is deceased, sequestrated, in liquidation or the debt is prescribed or where the debt is deemed uneconomical to pursue. 7.2. The proposed write off of Council Tax accounts dating from 1993/1994 to 2023/2024 totals £367,627.63, relating mainly to prescribed debt, sequestrations and estates of the deceased. 84
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7.3. The value of accounts currently marked for write off in the Non-Domestic Rates system from rating years 2021/2022 to 2023/2024 totals £308,194.95. These debts are deemed to be irrecoverable because the debtor is in liquidation, has ceased trading or has been sequestrated. 7.4. Approval is sought for the write off of Business Improvement District (BID) Levies totalling £3,649.55, administered by the Council on behalf of the Hamilton, Carluke and Lanark BID companies. There is no financial impact on the Council for these write offs. 7.5. Following consultation and agreement with Resources, the proposed write off of Sundry Debt totals £476,867.06. Appendix 2 provides a breakdown of the proposed write-off over categories. 7.6. Approval is sought for the write off of former tenant rent arrears of £2,230,448.51 (including the final bulk write-offs for financial years 2018/2019 and 2019/2020) and factoring arrears of £340.26. 7.7. A full list of all debts proposed for write off is held by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). 8. Employee Implications 8.1. None. 9. Financial Implications 9.1. Provision has been made for the financial impact of all write offs. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1. There are no direct climate change, sustainability and natural environment implications arising from this report. 11. Other Implications 11.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s revenue collection is a failure to monitor collection rates and take effective corrective action where required, resulting in a significant reduction in collection performance and Council funding. The risk is managed through monthly performance reporting and review of performance at monthly Senior Management Meetings. 12. Equalities Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 12.1. There is no requirement to carry out an impact assessment in terms of the proposals within this report. 12.2. There is no requirement to undertake any consultation in relation to the content of this report. Paul Manning Chief Executive 16 February 2024 85
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Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee - 6 December 2023 List of Background Papers System Reports from Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates, Sundry Debt and Academy Housing Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Craig Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions) Ext: 4951 (Tel: 01698 454951) E-mail: craig.fergusson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 86
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Appendix 1 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL REVENUES COLLECTION FOR PERIOD ENDING 31 JANUARY 2024 Annual Budget Cash Target Actual Variance % Variance Budget to 31/01/24 to 31/01/24 to 31/01/24 to Notes £000's £000's £000's £000's annual budget FINANCIAL YEAR 2023/2024 Council Tax 154,165 152,762 153,136 374 over 0.24% Non-Domestic Rates 361,703 342,686 343,923 1,237 over 0.3% Sundry Debt 119,873 119,873 120,218 345 over 0.3% ARREARS Council Tax 3,000 2,527 2,828 301 over 10.0% Non-Domestic Rates 2,000 1,885 2,263 378 over 18.9% Sundry Debt 9,519 8,900 8,863 (37) under -0.4% 87
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Appendix 2 BREAKDOWN OF PROPOSED SUNDRY DEBT WRITE-OFF Resource Service No. of Accounts Value (£) Housing & Technical Estates 19 29,677.67 H&T General 25 12,366.85 Housing Support Services 12 1,908.64 Rechargeable Repairs / Property Services 1,132 321,889.30 Social Work Non-Residential Services 649 107,105.34 Finance & Corporate Housing Benefit Overpayments / Licencing & Registration / Sundry Income Team 4 3,919.26 Total 1,841 476,867.06 88
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2024 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Communications and Strategy Services 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request Committee approval for a change in the management lines for Communications and Strategy Services, to report directly to the Chief Executive [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the contents of the report be noted; and (2) that the changes outlined at paragraph 4.4 be approved. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Communications and Strategy Services is currently part of Finance and Corporate Resources, alongside Administration and Legal, Finance (Strategy), Finance (Transactions), IT, and Personnel services. 3.2. As with all Finance and Corporate Resources’ services, Communications and Strategy provides a range of key corporate services in support of all Resources. These are: Communications (Public and Press Relations, Digital, Graphics and Print), Research and Improvement (including performance reporting and Best Value), Community Engagement, and Resilience. There are 51 FTE employees in the Service. 4. Proposal 4.1. It is proposed that Communications and Strategy Services should become part of the office of the Chief Executive, with management lines changing accordingly and the Head of Communications and Strategy Services reporting directly to the Chief Executive. 4.2. The proposed change would in many ways formalise what are current de facto arrangements. To shorten reaction times in a world of ever-faster communications, the Chief Executive is kept aware of pressing issues at all times and is often the senior manager who is asked to approve actions taken. The Chief Executive is also the principal target, among officers, for information relating to the Council’s performance and its pursuit of Best Value. The Chief Executive also must be kept aware at all times of important issues relating to resilience. 11 89
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4.3. The model of an Office of the Chief Executive which includes direct management of a small number of core corporate services, across communications and strategy- type services, is used successfully at other large Scottish local authorities. Feedback from colleagues is those councils suggest the arrangements can assist quick decision-making and also lend additional authority to the output from such services. 4.4. It is therefore proposed that the entire Communications and Strategy Services moves from Finance and Corporate Resources to the Chief Executive’s office. The Chief Executive would manage the service directly, but current reporting arrangements relating to finance and personnel matters will remain as they are, ie through the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee. 5 Employee Implications 5.1 All conditions and working arrangements will remain as they are. Only the management line will change, from Finance and Corporate Resources Executive Director to the Chief Executive. This means only the Head of Service’s reporting lines will change – those of all other employees will remain the same. 6 Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 8 Other Implications 8.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 9 Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1 This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Paul Manning Chief Executive 14 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Focused on people and their needs Excellent employer Previous References None 90
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List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Tom Little, Head of Communications and Strategy Ext: 4904 (Tel: 01698454904) E-mail: tom.little@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 91
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 6 March 2024 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Finance and Corporate Resource Plan: Quarter 2 Progress Report 2023/2024 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide the Finance and Corporate Resource Plan Quarter 2 Progress Report 2023/2024, for the period 1 April 2023 to 30 September 2023 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to note the following recommendation(s):- [ (1) that the Finance and Corporate Resource Plan Quarter 2 Progress Report 2023-24 as summarised in paragraph 5.2. and attached as Appendix 2 of this report, be noted; (2) that the key achievements made by the Resource to date, as detailed in paragraph 5.3. of this report, be noted; and (3) that it be noted that there are no areas identified for improvement, as detailed in paragraph 5.4 of the report. 3. Background 3.1. The Finance and Corporate Resource Plan 2023/2024 was approved by this Committee on 3 May 2023 and sets out the outcomes, measures and actions to be managed and delivered by the Resource for the financial year 2023/2024. 3.2. The Resource Plan follows the agreed corporate structure and style. The Plan is a key element of the Council’s performance management arrangements and provides details of the context within which the Resource operates and establishes actions and measures for the year ahead based on the Outcomes set out in the Council Plan Connect 2022 to 2027. 4. Resource Outcomes 2023/2024 4.1. The Resource has established a number of outcomes to support the delivery of the Connect Outcomes in 2023/2024. These are detailed at Appendix 1. 5. Quarter 2 Progress Report 2023/2024 5.1. Progress against all Resource Plan measures is contained in the Quarter 2 Progress Report 2023/2024, attached as Appendix 2. This report has been produced from the Council’s performance management reporting system IMPROVe, and uses a traffic light format with the following definitions to give a status report on each measure: 12 93
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Status Definition Blue Project complete Green The timescale or target has been met as per expectations Amber There has been minor slippage against timescale or minor shortfall against target Red There has been major slippage against timescale or major shortfall against target Report later The information is not yet available to allow us to say whether the target has been reached or not. This will be reported when available Contextual Included for ‘information only’, to set performance information in context 5.2. Measures which are classified as ‘red’ are considered in detail at section 5.4. of this report. To ensure adequate scrutiny of performance across all Resources, the Council’s Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum may consider ‘red’ and/or ‘amber’ measures at a future meeting. The overall summary of progress to date is set out in the table below. There remains a legacy impact of Covid 19 and the response to it in some areas, and performance should be considered in that context. Status Measures Statistical Project Total % Blue N/A 1 1 3% Green 17 9 26 82% Amber 2 0 2 6% Red 0 0 0 0% Report later/Contextual 0 3 3 9% Totals 19 13 32 100% (Data correct as at 6 Feb 2024) 5.3. Key achievements for 2023/2024, to date, are noted below:- 5.3.1. Connect Outcome Communities and Environment Resource Outcome Achievement Individuals and communities in South Lanarkshire are engaged and able to participate in decision- making processes The Community Wish list is a way that local communities can make specific requests for support from Council suppliers or contractors that will benefit their local community, their projects and causes. The first wish was received on 27 February 2023 and by 27 October 2023 a total of 83 had come in. 12 wishes have been answered so far, including a light installed by Block Architects to illuminate a defibrillator available at Blantyre Old Parish Church. Other wishes are being progressed. 94
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Connect Outcome Education and Learning Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Connect Outcome: Health and Wellbeing Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Connect Outcome: Children and Young People Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Connect Outcome: Housing and Land Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Connect Outcome Our Economy Resource Outcome Achievement Nothing to report this Quarter 5.3.2. In addition to working towards these Outcomes, we recognise that the Council will continually aim to improve and ensure effective and efficient use of resources, and that business will be conducted with integrity and transparency and will operate to the highest standards. In order to monitor and report progress against these values, Resource outcomes have also been identified under the heading Delivering the Plan and achieving Best Value. Delivering the Plan and achieving Best Value Resource Outcome Achievement Customers experience high quality and improving council services Following approval of the Statement of Licensing Policy for the Short Term Let licensing scheme by the Executive Committee on 2 November 2022, from within existing resources, a total of 213 applications were received with the majority being lodged within the final month prior to the Scottish Government deadline of 30 September 2023. Income from short term lets applications received since the introduction of the scheme has resulted in income of approximately £82,000. The Council demonstrates high standards of The Council submitted a favourable year-end position to the Council’s Executive Committee on 21 June 2023. The Unaudited Annual Accounts were presented to the Risk and 95
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Delivering the Plan and achieving Best Value Resource Outcome Achievement governance and sound financial stewardship Audit Scrutiny Forum on 27 June 2023, before being submitted to External Audit by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2023. The workforce has the skills, flexibility and capacity to deliver the council’s priorities. During the period 1 July 2023 – 30 September 2023, Council employees completed 43,505 eLearning modules. In the same period, 2,224 employees attended 290 classroom- based events, and 490 employees attended 59 virtual online events. Digital and ICT service meet the needs of the council and its customers Primary, Additional Support Needs and Early Years Refresh - 141 establishments were upgraded with over 4,000 devices delivered. Education establishments wireless expansion programme - over 30 establishments now have upgraded wireless functionality. 5.4. Areas for improvement There were no measures that were classified as ‘red’ (major slippage against timescale or shortfall against target). 5.5. Report later Measures in the quarterly progress reports which are not blue, red, amber or green can be assigned a status of ‘report later’ or ‘contextual’. A further analysis, introduced to aid scrutiny of performance, is to follow up the measures in these categories from the Quarter 4 2022-23 report. There were no measures identified as ‘report later’ or ‘contextual’ in that report so no further action or analysis is required. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. The outcomes noted within the Resource Plan will inform the Service Action Plans, where applicable, and in turn the Performance Appraisal process for individual employees. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. The outcomes within the Resource Plan are reflected in the respective annual Resource Revenue and Capital budgets and, longer term, within the framework of the council’s approved Financial Strategy. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications as a result of this report. 8.2. The Council acknowledges the serious and immediate threat of climate change and is committed to accelerating the pace of action in response to the climate emergency and in Scotland’s transition to a net-zero and climate resilient society and economy. All Resource Plans have recognised sustainable development and climate change as a key area of focus for 2023/2024. 96
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9. Other Implications 9.1. A significant element of the delivery of the outcomes in the Community Plan 2022 to 2032 will come through the achievement of the actions contained within Connect. 9.2. Resource Plan actions are assessed as part of the Resource’s risk management arrangements and relevant issues have been added to the Resource Risk Register. . 10. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 10.1. Many of the actions detailed within the Resource Plan reflect ongoing strategies and policies which will be or have been the subject of consultation and equality impact assessment. Paul Manning Chief Executive 6 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes The Resource Plan has been structured upon the Vision, Values and Outcomes in the Council Plan Connect 2022-27 Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Quarter 2 Progress Report 2022/2023 List of Background Papers Council Plan Connect 2022 to 2027 – approved by the full Council on 15 June 2022 Finance and Corporate Resource Plan 2023/2024 – approved by Finance and Corporate Resources Committee on 3 May 2023 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Tom Little (Head of Communications and Strategy) Ext: 4904 (Tel: 01698 454904) E-mail: tom.little@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 97
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Appendix 1 Finance and Corporate Resource Outcomes 2023-24 Connect Outcomes Resource Outcomes Communities and Environment • Individuals and communities in South Lanarkshire are engaged and able to participate in decision-making processes Education and Learning • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Health and Wellbeing • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Children and Young People • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Housing and Land • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Our Economy • A people-centred approach to recovery is implemented to help individuals, communities, businesses and the social and third sector thrive Delivering the Plan and achieving Best Value • The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship • Customers experience high quality and improving council services • The workforce has the skills, flexibility and capacity to deliver the council’s priorities • Digital and ICT services meet the needs of the council and its customers 98
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on 6 Feb 09:42 Quarter 2 : April 2023 - September 2023 South Lanarkshire Council Finance and Corporate Resources Resource Plan (This represents the cumulative position to September 2023) Performance Report 2023-24 12 99
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on 6 Feb 09:42 Summary - number of measures green, amber and red under each Council Plan Outcome / Theme Council Outcome/ Theme Green Amber Red Report later / Contextual Total Communities and Environment 0 0 0 0 0 Education and Learning 0 0 0 0 0 Health and Wellbeing 0 0 0 0 0 Children and Young People 0 0 0 0 0 Housing and Land 0 0 0 0 0 Our Economy 3 0 0 0 3 Delivering the plan and achieving best value 14 2 0 0 16 Total 17 2 0 0 19 Page 1 100
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Our Economy A people-centred approach to recovery is implemented to help individuals, communities, businesses and the social and third sector thrive. Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2021/22 2022/232020/21Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Number of unemployed people supported via council-operated employability programmes This quarter has seen an increase in referrals to the Gateway and Connect 2 renewables programmes. Green 1,350 544 1,348 1,934 1,687 Number of unemployed people gaining sustainable employment The Transformational Review of employability has included the development of a new employer engagement team working across the council's employability programmes to support increased progression to employment. Green 675 142 410 1,146 584 Number of unemployed people accessing further education or training Routes to Work South have developed a range of sector based training opportunities during quarter 2 Green 225 80 211 219 536 Delivering the plan and achieving best value The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2021/22 2022/232020/21Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Pay invoices within the target of 28 days 93.6% of invoices paid to period 6 have met the target of 28 days Green 90.0% 93.6% 90.9% 93.4% 91.7% Percentage of income due from Council Tax received by the end of the year - in year (incl water) The annual Council Tax collection target for 2023/2024 has been set at 95.2%. Council Tax collection is currently 60.11%, ahead of target by 0.12%. Green 95.20% 60.11% 94.89% 95.54% 96.77% % of Non Domestic rates income achieved Non Domestic rates collection is currently 48.9%, ahead of the Q2 target by 0.2%. Green 97.0% 48.9% 96.8% 97.5% 97.8% Sundry Income collection To date, a collection rate of 97.3% has been achieved, 0.3% ahead of target. Green 97.0% 97.3% 97.8% 98.1% 98.3% Liquor licensing processing target - 97% within service targets PI not met - business prioritised depending on nature of business. The slippage occurred due to a delay in processing minor variation applications, major variation applications being advertised and neighbour notifications sent and issuing occasional and extended hour licences. We prioritise the workload depending on the nature of the business. We always work to allocate tasks depending on the nature of the business within performance targets where possible. Amber 97.0% 96.0% 100.0% 92.0% 96.0% Registration processing target - 97% within service targets Target has been achieved Green 97.0% 100.0% 100.0% 93.0% 99.0% Citizenship processing target - 97% within service targets Target has been achieved Green 97.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Page 2 101
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Delivering the plan and achieving best value The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2021/22 2022/232020/21Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Complaints processing target - 97% within service targets Target has been achieved Green 97.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Customers experience high quality and improving council services Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2021/22 2022/232020/21Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Customer Service Centre - % of calls answered Target exceeded YTD 93% of all calls answered against a target of 90%. Green 90.00% 93.00% 92.00% 93.00% 94.00% Customer Service Centre – average queue time (in seconds) YTD exceeded at 156 seconds against a target of 300 seconds Green 300 156 93 158 134 Benefits administration – average processing times for new Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims Processing times for new claims is currently 12 days, 2 days under target with annual target of 14 days expected to be achieved. Green 14 days 12 days 13 days 13 days 12 days Benefits administration – average processing times for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction change in circumstances (local target) Processing times for change in circumstances is currently 3 days, 1 day under target with annual target of 4 days expected to be achieved. Green 4 days 3 days ------ ------ ------ Money Matters Advice – customer service - % cases responded to within 5 days of initial customer contact (local target) Currently achieving YTD 99.25% of client's are contacted within 5 working days of establishing contact with the service Green 95.00% 99.25% ------ ------ ------ Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction – accuracy of processing Accuracy performance is currently 95.2%, exceeding the target. Green 94.0% 95.2% 92.6% 94.4% 97.1% Scottish Welfare Fund – average processing times for Crisis Grants Processing times for Crisis Grants is currently equal to target. Green 2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days Scottish Welfare Fund – average processing times for Community Care grants Processing times for Community Care Grants are currently over target by 7 working days. Processing times are behind target due to continuing high demand, however annual target of 15 days expected to be achieved. Community Care Grant processing times in September were 4 days less than the previous month, this being achieved through streamlining processes and re-aligning resources. This trend is expected to continue to bring us back into line with target. Amber 15 days 22 days 12 days 16 days 13 days Page 3 102
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Summary - number of measures complete, green, amber and red under each Council Plan Outcome / Theme Council Outcome/ Theme Complete Green Amber Red Report later Total Communities and Environment 0 4 0 0 0 4 Education and Learning 0 0 0 0 0 0 Health and Wellbeing 0 0 0 0 0 0 Children and Young People 0 0 0 0 0 0 Housing and Land 0 0 0 0 0 0 Our Economy 0 1 0 0 0 1 Delivering the plan and achieving best value 1 4 0 0 3 8 Total 1 9 0 0 3 13 Page 4 103
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Communities and Environment Individuals and communities in South Lanarkshire are engaged and able to participate in decision-making processes Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Increase routes for communities to participate in decision making and priority setting Increase activity around our Place Based Participatory Budgeting programme in priority neighbourhoods Participatory Budgeting exercises ran in three Neighbourhood Planning areas in Q2: Whitehill, Cambuslang East and Fernhill, investing £102,317 in these communities. During this time, three further exercises are being planned for launching in Q3: Blantyre, Hamilton South and HUB- Hillhouse, Udston and Burnbank investing a further £69,525 across these communities. Green Increase the number of communities with their own community-led neighbourhood plans Stakeholder groups established during Q2 in Hamilton and East Kilbride to take forward two new neighbourhood plans. The East Kilbride group have agreed their question set and are now beginning to knock on doors in the area to engage with the local community. Green Implement new approaches to community involvement in decision making such as a community Wishlist approach to community benefits and the delivery of the Shaping Places for Wellbeing project The Community Wishlist continues to grow and is rapidly becoming a successful and popular tool. 21 wishes approved and live on the website from July to end of September after launching. Eight Wishes have been ‘matched’ and are either in process or have now been completed. Tables, guitars, convection heaters and a defibrillator have been gifted to local communities through the Wishlist this quarter. Total value of good and materials into local communities though the project is currently estimated to valued as worth £3,400. Green Take forward IT strategic developments Complete procurement exercise to identify partner to meet SLC Digital Connectivity requirements, including improved availability and affordability of broadband and 4G/5G mobile services across the council area Work has restarted, focusing on reviewing options/benefits of different digital connectivity options. Green Page 5 104
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Our Economy A people-centred approach to recovery is implemented to help individuals, communities, businesses and the social and third sector thrive. Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Deliver effective Employability Services to support Individuals and Business Monitor and adjust the delivery plan agreed via the LEP and Community Planning Partners Good progress has been made to continue to deliver the LEP plan. Contract extensions have been agreed with South Lanarkshire College and VASLAN. LEP subgroups have been established including an Operational group, Tackling Child Poverty Group and Health subgroup to focus on planning for the devolution of previous Fairstart funds from April 2024. Green Delivering the plan and achieving best value The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Lead financial planning and reporting for the council Financial Strategy to be agreed by June 2023 The Council's Revenue Budget Strategy for 2024/2025 was approved by the Council's Executive Committee on 21 June 2023. This will be updated during the year as required. Green Budget proposals to be considered by members by December 2023 A Members' Seminar is scheduled for November where savings proposals will be presented. Report Later Budget agreed by March 2024 Report Later Capital programme for 2024-25 to be agreed by March 2024 Report Later The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Governance Consideration of the case for an additional emergency committee The proposal for an additional emergency committee was considered and it was agreed that this would not progress as the arrangements which had been put in place during the pandemic for decision making under the delegated powers to the CEO, in consultation with political group leaders, worked well. Complete Page 6 105
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Tuesday 6 February 2024 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Delivering the plan and achieving best value Digital and ICT services meet the needs of the council and its customers Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Take forward IT strategic developments Migrate to new Integrated Housing and Property Management system by December 2024 Project has been initiated and on target to deliver. Green Develop and deliver training plan to upskill IT staff in new technologies Training identified and suite of courses now in place to deliver training plan by end of March 2024. Green The workforce has the skills, flexibility and capacity to deliver the council's priorities Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Implement the Council Workforce Plans to match Service need Resource Workforce Plans are in place and will be monitored and adjusted throughout the year. Any additional actions will be reported via Resource Workforce Monitoring reports Resource workforce plans continued to be monitored through discussions at Resource management teams. The plans will be reviewed to take account of savings proposals as they are approved. Green Page 7 106