The Corporate and Strategic Scrutiny Committee has decided to request further information and clarity before endorsing the Improvement and Assurance Framework.

URL: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2488

Decision Maker: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Strategic

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Corporate and Strategic Scrutiny Committee considered the Improvement and Assurance Framework and RESOLVED that it was unable to endorse the recommendations as presented, having concluded that further information, clarity and assurance were required on a number of matters raised during the debate.   The Committee requested that future reports should provide sufficient detail, evidence and performance information to enable Members to effectively scrutinise, challenge and assess progress before recommendations are presented for endorsement. The Committee requested that the following comments and concerns be referred to the Executive for consideration and response.   Financial Recovery and Sustainability   ·         The Committee was concerned that, based on the information provided, it was unable to fully assess whether the proposed framework would adequately address the concerns raised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).   ·         The Committee considered that the Improvement and Assurance Framework does not clearly demonstrate how existing improvement and transformation activity aligns with, and delivers against, the key themes and expectations set out within the Best Value Notice and associated statutory guidance.   ·         The Committee expressed concern that the Improvement and Assurance Framework does not provide clear, measurable outcomes, milestones and timescales against which improvement and progress can be assessed and therefore the Committee was unable to determine:   ·         Whether sufficient actions are in place to reduce the forecast overspend in 2026/2027. o   Progress towards restoring reserves. o   Delivery confidence associated with savings plans. o   Arrangements for monitoring transformation benefits. o   Capacity within the finance function to deliver improvement.   Transformation Delivery   ·         The Committee expressed concern that it had not been provided with sufficient information to assess the effectiveness of the Council's transformation activity and whether transformation activity is delivering, or will deliver, the intended financial and service outcomes required to address the Council's financial challenges and future cost pressures, including:   o   Whether transformation programmes have clearly defined and measurable financial and service outcomes. o   Arrangements for benefits realisation and evidencing impact. o   Whether transformation activity is delivering tangible improvements in service performance, demand management and financial sustainability. o   The Council's capacity to deliver multiple transformation and improvement programmes simultaneously. o   Governance and escalation arrangements where programmes are delayed. o   The Committee highlighted the importance of organisational culture in creating a continually learning and self-improving organisation and sought greater clarity regarding how cultural change and improvement would be delivered and measured.   Demand Management in Key Services   ·         The Committee expressed concern that it had not been provided with sufficient information to assess the effectiveness of demand management strategies for Children's Services, Adult Social Care and SEND, including the financial impact of demand pressures and the Council's plans for managing those pressures.   ·         The Committee considered that intended performance outcomes had not been clearly defined or evidenced.   ·         The Committee expressed concern regarding the lack of evidence demonstrating that transformation activity has resulted in sustained reductions in demand growth or future cost avoidance.   ·         The Committee requested that learning from comparator and high-performing authorities be considered where this may support improved demand management and service delivery.   Governance and Assurance   ·         The Committee expressed concern regarding the lack of clarity around governance arrangements, including lines of accountability, ownership of actions, responsibility for delivery, and the role of the Improvement Advisory Board in providing oversight and assurance.   ·         The Committee recognised that the Council's response to the Best Value Notice is an ongoing process and requested that the Improvement and Assurance Framework be established as a standing agenda item to facilitate continued scrutiny and oversight.   ·         The Committee stressed that effective Scrutiny requires ongoing involvement throughout the improvement process and requested that Members be fully engaged in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Improvement and Assurance Framework. The Committee emphasised its wish to engage positively in the process, helping to strengthen proposals and ensure that reports submitted to Government are as robust as possible, and requested that the Framework be brought back to Scrutiny regularly for further consideration.   In addition, the Committee made the following recommendations:   ·         The Committee sought greater assurance regarding partnership working with NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board and the impact this may have on the delivery of improvement activity, particularly within SEND services.   ·         The Committee asked that future reports use clear, measurable outcomes, milestones and delivery timescales rather than subjective terms such as ‘at pace’, to enable progress to be effectively monitored and scrutinised.   ·         The Committee requested a written response regarding the matters raised in relation to the Director Accountability Statements, including clarification of the circumstances surrounding those statements and any implications for budget delivery and financial management.

Date of Decision: August 12, 2026