Finance and Policy Committee held on 29 April 2022
Argyll and Bute Council · 25 May 2022
Back to Argyll and Bute HSCP Integration Joint Board (IJB) — 25 May 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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MINUTES of MEETING of ARGYLL AND BUTE HSCP FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE held BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on FRIDAY, 29 APRIL 2022 Present: Councillor Kieron Green (Chair) Sarah Compton-Bishop Graham Bell Kenny Matheson Attending: Fiona Davies, Chief Officer, Argyll and Bute HSCP George Morrison, Depute Chief Officer, Argyll and Bute HSCP James Gow, Head of Finance and Transformation, Argyll and Bute HSCP Jillian Torrens, Head of Adult Services Geraldine Collier, HR People Partner, Argyll and Bute HSCP Charlotte Craig, Business Improvement Manager, Argyll and Bute HSCP Lorna Jordan, Senior Accountant, Argyll and Bute Council Lynsey Innis, Senior Committee Assistant, Argyll and Bute Council 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Chair extended a warm welcome to Jillian Torrens who had recently taken up the post of Head of Adult Services. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:- Councillor Sandy Taylor Elizabeth Higgins, Professional Advisory Group Representative Fiona Broderick, Staffside, Argyll and Bute HSCP Kevin McIntosh, Staffside, Argyll and Bute Council 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES The minute of the previous meeting of the Finance and Policy Committee, held on 18 March 2022, was approved as a correct record. 4. FINAL SAVINGS POSITION 2021-22
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The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided a summary of performance in delivering the 2021/22 savings programme and confirmation of the savings projects that are being carried forward into 2022/23. The Head of Finance and Transformation provided a short verbal update on the absence of a budget monitoring report due to the timescales involved with the year- end requirements. He advised that due to being in a slightly better position than anticipated, it had been possible to repay the debt to Argyll and Bute Council, as at 31 March 2022. Mr Gow highlighted that there would be a small balance to carry forward as a general reserve for use within the next financial year and advised that a paper confirming this position would be provided to the next meeting of the Committee. Decision The Finance and Policy Committee:- 1. Noted the final position in respect of the 2021/22 Savings Programme and the delivery of £8.2m of savings in total. 2. Noted that £5.8m in recurring savings were declared during that year. 3. Noted that future reporting on savings delivery will be based upon the new savings programme provided as Appendix 4. (Reference: Report by Head of Finance and Transformation, dated 29 April 2022, submitted) 5. FINANCIAL RISKS 2022-23 Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the perceived financial risks facing the HSCP, which could have an impact upon financial performance during 2022/23. Decision The Finance and Policy Committee:- 1. Considered the 2022/23 financial risks identified for the HSCP as at 30 March 2022 and noted the mitigations. 2. Noted that financial risks will be reviewed and reported every two months. (Reference: Report by Head of Finance and Transformation, dated 29 April 2022, submitted) 6. CARE/NURSING HOME PROVISION - KINTYRE The Committee gave consideration to a report which outlined the current situation with the Kintyre Care Centre and its owners HC-One, and provided details of how the HSCP is responding, in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, and provided
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an initial opportunity for Members to discuss and consider the implications and options available. Decision The Finance and Policy Committee:- 1. Noted that a joint project with Argyll and Bute Council is underway in respect of Nursing Care Home Provision in Kintyre/Campbeltown. 2. Noted that decisions with service capacity, financial and HR implications are expected to be required in the coming months. (Reference: Report by Head of Finance and Transformation and Head of Adult Services, dated 29 April 2022, submitted) 7. PUBLIC SECTOR DUTIES Having noted that there is potential for the public duties of the IJB to increase on the basis of response from public consultation and amendment to legislation and the need to be alert to any potential requirement for policy impact or development, the Committee gave consideration to a report which provided a detailed outline of the current public sector duties. Decision The Finance and Policy Committee:- 1. Referenced current public sector duties. 2. Noted the prospective training. (Reference: Report by Business Improvement Manager, dated 29 April 2022, submitted) 8. CONSULTATION TRACKER Having noted that the Scottish Government is consulting widely on many areas which directly or indirectly relate to legislation, the role of public bodies or the shaping of policy and national outcomes, the Committee gave consideration to a report which presented a consultation tracker designed to maintain an awareness of environment and the ability to respond and influence for remote and island communities, that will be presented to Committee on a regular basis. Decision The Finance and Policy Committee:- 1. Noted the consultation tracker. 2. Considered and agreed the proposed approach.
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(Reference: Report by Business Improvement Manager, dated 29 April 2022, submitted) 9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Finance and Policy Committee noted that the next meeting was scheduled to take place on Friday, 27 May 2022. Having noted that this was the last meeting of the Finance and Policy Committee in this term of the Council, Councillor Green took the opportunity to thank the Committee and officers for the support they have provided to him during his term as Chair.