The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Southwark Council met on Monday 22 January 2024 to discuss the proposed budget for 2024-25. The meeting agenda included a consultation with Cabinet members on the budget implications of the Policy and Resources Strategy 2024-25, as well as updated information relating to the proposed budget, an equality impact analysis, and climate impact information.

Policy and Resources Strategy 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to consider the Policy and Resources Strategy for 2024-25. This strategy, previously reported to the Cabinet on 5 December 2023, outlines the council's budget setting for the upcoming financial year. Updated information, including an equality impact analysis and climate impact information, was to be circulated to members ahead of the meeting.

The report on the Policy and Resources Strategy detailed the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, with an ambition for Southwark to be net zero by 2030. It highlighted ongoing investments in climate capital programmes, such as the £25m Climate Capital Fund, which supports projects like air source heat pumps and green roofs at Burgess Park Sports Centre, and feasibility work for climate reduction at two cemetery sites. The report also mentioned the establishment of a Green Buildings Fund, financed by developer contributions, and plans to launch Southwark's Community Municipal Investment (CMI) to raise funds for green projects.

The strategy also detailed plans to transform street usage through the Streets for People strategy, prioritising sustainable travel and reducing traffic congestion. This includes investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the expansion of bike hangers and pedestrian/cycling friendly infrastructure. Furthermore, the report outlined ongoing efforts in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, aiming to maintain high environmental standards in planning and updating climate emergency policies.

Specific departmental plans were also detailed, including investments in leisure centres to reduce emissions, the use of renewable technology in new housing, and retrofitting LED lighting in corporate buildings. The report noted that while the council is committed to tackling the climate emergency, it faces challenges due to the scale of the task and the need for greater government funding.

The agenda also included a review of departmental budgets, with a focus on efficiencies and improved use of resources. Several departments, including Children and Adults' Services, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, and Finance and Corporate, had identified savings options. These included measures such as promoting greater independence for clients post-discharge, maximising extra care provision, reviewing staffing structures, and consolidating IT support teams. Income generation was also a key theme, with proposals for increased fees and charges in areas like parks, leisure centres, and commercial property rentals.

The report also detailed the council's financial position, noting a reduction in net spending over the last decade and an increased reliance on locally generated income such as council tax and retained business rates. The impact of inflation and pay costs was also highlighted as a key risk to the budget. The council's commitment to keeping council tax low was reiterated, alongside the continued provision of support for financially vulnerable residents through the Council Tax Relief Scheme.

The agenda also included specific reports on the review of the Noise and Nuisance Service, the merger of contact centres, and the proposed changes to Adult Community Learning charges. Additionally, a report on the planned use of the Better Care Fund and efficiencies in sexual health service provision was scheduled for discussion. The delivery of Education Psychology Team services was also to be reviewed, with a focus on prioritising statutory duties and support for those most in need.

Finally, the report touched upon the transformation of Children and Family Centres into Family Hubs, aiming for more efficient and effective use of early help resources. It also detailed plans for the review of the Southwark Information and Advice Service (SIAS) team and the consolidation of council work relating to information, advice, and guidance.