ER Magazine // BUDGET


How we manage the budget process T


he Council’s Budget Strategy Group, made up of all administration councillors, meets


from early spring 2014 until February 2015 to review all the available options to help balance the council budget. The group, supported by Chief Executive Lorraine McMillan, meet regularly to look at current spending across all departments, the various options for making savings and the impact of potential savings on the council’s ability to achieve its objectives under the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA).


Our Single Outcome Agreement 1


2 3 4 5


Early Years All children in East Renfrewshire experience a stable and secure start to their lives and are supported to succeed.


Learning, Life and Work East Renfrewshire residents are fit and active and have the skills for learning, life and work.


Economy and Environment East Renfrewshire is a thriving, attractive and sustainable place for residents and businesses to grow.


Safer, Supported Communities East Renfrewshire residents are safe and supported in their communities and homes.


Older People Older people in East Renfrewshire are valued; their voices are heard and they are supported to enjoy full and positive lives for longer.


As soon as the Budget Strategy Group


fully reviews the proposed savings package, local people are also invited to review the proposals. The budget process is guided by two key


principals; integrity in decision-making and protection for those who need the council most. Many of the savings that we are proposing have been agreed with a heavy heart. In some areas we have made extremely difficult choices. All departments have


department’s contribution to the savings proposals.


£m


140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0


£114.3m £7.9m


£45.9m £5.6m


Education CHCP


£28m £2.6m


Environment Service Keeping you informed


The budget book summarises the proposals that have been identified to help close our £20million budget gap. We hope that you will take the time to


review what savings are being proposed. Although the scope to revise the proposals is limited, we would like your feedback on how we might take steps to further mitigate the impact of the proposals or if you believe we can make our savings in a different way. The information you provide will be


presented to the Budget Strategy Group in December, in advance of any final decisions being made. We have also arranged an event to enable


us to meet with a number of local people who use our services regularly along with representatives from local community groups, to discuss the savings proposals in more detail. Our aim is to identify how we can support people through proposed service changes and minimise any uncertainty and anxiety.


Through this process you can expect a


commitment from the council to: Provide local people with the facts on


the financial challenge facing the council and hard decisions that will be required to be taken; Communicate with staff in advance of


any final decisions, to highlight the impact of the proposals on their employment; Recognise the mood of our communities


and work in partnership to identify ways we can reduce the impact of the changes being proposed; Work closely with our most vulnerable


residents to help them understand what changes to services may mean for them and to make sure any transition period is free from worry and stress. In February 2015, the council will make


a final decision on how the savings target will be met and will agree its budget for the forthcoming three financial years.


To record your feedback, you can visit


http://getinvolved.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk from 10 November until 5 December.


Proposed Savings Breakdown 2014-15 Budget


Proposed Savings


page 13


contributed to the outlined savings proposals, having considered ongoing feedback and evaluation from service users and staff, audit and performance information, feedback from inspection bodies and partners, and emerging national policy. The table below highlights each


£7.9m £1.1m


Corporate & Community Services


£3.6m £270k


Chief


Executive’s Office


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