The Strategy and Resources Committee of Sutton Council met on Monday 15 July 2024, discussing the council's financial outturn for the 2023/24 financial year, workforce diversity, and the procurement of an agency contract. Key decisions included approving adjustments to the capital programme budget and noting the council's productivity plan.

2023/24 Finance & Performance Outturn

The committee noted an overall overspend of £1.553 million against the 2023/24 general fund revenue budget. This was primarily driven by increased demand and unit costs in social care for children and adults, temporary accommodation, and special educational needs transport. Despite these pressures, the Housing Revenue Account reported an underspend of £11.839 million. The capital outturn showed a significant underspend of £15.697 million, largely due to project slippage. The committee approved adjustments to the 2024/27 capital programme budget and noted the council's productivity plan.

Sutton Council Workforce Report

The committee received an update on the council's workforce, noting progress in equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. The report highlighted an increase in the representation of multi-ethnic employees and women in senior roles. The council's mean gender pay gap has decreased to 8.68%. Efforts to support staff wellbeing, including mental health initiatives and the relaunch of the Carers +A Network, were also discussed. The council has also been awarded the Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer Award.

Procurement - Agency Contract

The committee noted that the agency worker contract would be awarded by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames on behalf of Sutton Council as part of a shared service arrangement. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources to approve the award of this contract for a period of six years. This approach, utilising the London Collaboration Framework, aims to achieve economies of scale and improve efficiency in sourcing agency workers.

Digital and IT Capital Delivery Plan 2024/25

The committee agreed the draft delivery plans for the Digital and IT rolling programmes for 2024/25. The Digital Programme, with a budget of £640,000, will focus on improving resident-facing digital services, upgrading business systems, and exploring opportunities in AI. The Infrastructure Rolling Programme, with a budget of £705,000, will ensure the resilience, security, and fitness for purpose of the council's IT hardware and infrastructure, including cybersecurity measures.

Disposal of Russettings, 25 Worcester Road, Sutton

The committee noted the decision to relocate the Registry offices from Russettings to the Civic Offices. They also authorised the disposal of the freehold of Russettings, 25 Worcester Road, Sutton, delegating authority to the Strategic Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Resources, to agree the terms. This move is expected to generate revenue savings and a capital receipt, contributing to the council's asset strategy.

The Old Rectory, Carshalton

The committee authorised the marketing of The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton, for sale freehold. Proposals from interested parties will be considered by the Strategic Director for Resources in consultation with the Lead Member for Resources. This decision follows previous attempts to find a viable use for the Grade II* listed heritage asset, which have not been successful. The sale aims to bring the building back into use and reduce ongoing maintenance costs for the council.

Corporate Assets Investment Programme (CAIP) (Health and Safety Works)

The committee agreed the delivery plan for the Corporate Assets Investment Programme for 2024/25, which includes a budget of £1.42 million. This programme focuses on essential health and safety works and maintenance across the council's operational assets, including leisure centres, car parks, and civic buildings, to ensure they remain safe and fit for purpose.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The committee agreed to the appointments to various outside bodies as set out in Appendix A. Authority was delegated to the Monitoring Officer to authorise appointments in the event of any in-year vacancies.

Sub Committee Arrangements 2024-25

The committee agreed to establish the Sutton Shareholdings Board as a sub-committee of the Strategy and Resources Committee. Members were appointed to the board, with Councillor Sunita Gordon appointed as Chair and Councillor Jake Short as Vice Chair.