Agenda and minutes

It was noted that following receipt of the temporary resignation of Councillor McManus from the Committee, the Monitoring Officer, acting under delegated powers, had appointed Councillor Whitbread to replace them for the purposes of this meeting.

To approve and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings held on 23 January 2025 and to deal with any matters arising, attached.

Resolved that, the minutes of the committee meeting held on 23 January 2025 be approved as an accurate record.

Report of the Scrutiny Manager enabling the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to examine the content of the Forward Plan and to discuss issues of interest or concern with the Executive.

Forward Plan – Transformation Update.

Councillor Letts – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services, Mel Creighton – Executive Director for Enabling Services, James Wills-Fleming – Transformation Director and several members of the Executive Management Team were in attendance and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.

Councillor Letts set out the progress made to date in relation to the transformation programme, including savings exceeding £9m to date, and the impact these changes have had in relation to the current and projected budget. Councillor Letts then outlined the Council’s expectation with regards to future reductions and efficiencies.

The Committee noted the update and raised several questions regarding specific transformation programmes and potential challenges for the Council, including:

• Performance and Risk

The Committee sought to understand how risks were being managed and mitigated in relation to the changes and realignment of services through the transformation programme. Councillor Letts set out how risks were being monitored and managed including through the improved use of technology and data to protect and enhance provision to vulnerable service users. Councillor Letts also set out the Red, Amber, Green (RAG) assessment criteria applied to the transformation programme detailing achievements to date, those projected to be achieved and those areas that require further confidence to progress.

Cllr Letts highlighted the period when Newton (Europe) consultancy support reduces, and responsibility to continue to maintain momentum transfers to City Council services, as being a time when risks are likely to be heightened.

• Expenditure

The Committee were keen to understand the current and future levels of expenditure required to deliver the Council’s transformation programme. Councillor Letts set out the current level of costs in relation to consultancy provision, the Council’s in-house transformation teams as well as the savings being achieved, and the approach being taken.

• Phase Two

Councillor Letts set out the plans under phase two of the transformation programme relating to growth, reducing demand, and embedding cultural and behavioural changes. In addition, the Committee discussed with the Cabinet Member the potential impact of the Local Government Reorganisation both in terms of the identified opportunities and risks.

The Cabinet Member indicated that the Council were actively considering adopting the Marmot Principles to help address the inequalities prevalent in Southampton and reduce demand for services.

Forward Plan – Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget & Capital Programme.

Councillor Letts – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services, Councillor A Frampton – Cabinet Member for Housing Operations, Mel Creighton – Executive Director for Enabling Services and S151 Officer and Debbie Ward – Executive Director, Resident Services were in attendance and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.

Councillor A Frampton introduced the report setting out the current position and the plans to improve outcomes for Council tenants, as part of the wider transformation agenda being delivered via the Housing Improvement Plan and the Good Landlord Transformation Programme. Reducing voids, rent arrears and increasing the percentage of properties classified as Decent Homes were identified as priorities for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

Report of the Scrutiny Manager enabling the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to monitor and track progress on recommendations made to the Executive at previous meetings

The Committee considered and discussed the responses and ongoing adctions from the Executive to recommendations from previous meetings.