A draft four year plan to steer us through the
financial crisis ahead has been unveiled.
The
executive will consider a draft medium term financial plan
(MTFP) when they meet on Tuesday (13 September).
We face an unprecedented financial challenge between 2011-2015
and the MTFP outlines how the council could plug a projected £47.3m
financial gap.
The gap is the result of a range of issues including substantial
cuts in Government funding, a growing elderly population,
inflationary increases and the fact that North Somerset Council
continues to be a low funded authority whilst maintaining the
second lowest council tax in the south west.
The MTFP forms a key part of the council's draft Corporate Plan
which will also be considered by the executive on 13 September.
The draft corporate plan aims to underpin the work of the
council between 2011 and 2015, setting out our aims and
priorities over the four year period.
It aims to create a council which is fit for the future and able
to redesign services rather than simply cutting them.
The key elements of this new way of working are:
- Streamlining - a smaller, more efficient and responsive
council.
- Smarter working - an organisation that takes a systemic
approach to remodelling services, stripping out bureaucracy and
maximising the use of new systems, technology, buildings and
information for the benefit of its customers.
- Self service- residents are given the information, tools and
opportunities to resolve their affairs with minimal council
involvement and interaction.
- Self supporting communities- wherever possible, assets are
owned, and services are provided by local communities, for local
communities.
- Strategic partnerships - the council works with other
organisations to achieve the best outcomes for local people.
- Stimulating the private and civic sectors - the council
delivers fewer services directly and makes the best use of the
private and civic sector to offer local services.
The Leader, Cllr Nigel Ashton, said the next four years
presented a very serious challenge for the council.
"This is going to effect all of us and by 2015 we will have to
stop spending £1 for every £3 we were spending in 2010/11.
"We have to change our approach and move away from providing all
our own services. Our role will be more of an enabler - helping
others to offer services on our behalf. It is the only way
forward."
Savings already being made by the council under this approach
include:
- Reducing office space from 18 buildings to two hubs at the Town
Hall, Weston and Castlewood, Clevedon. This will save £700,000 a
year within three years.
- Providing services through private or third sector
organisations to save money, safeguard jobs and boost investment.
Examples include the Winter Gardens, Playhouse and Tourist
Information, North Somerset Museum and Weston Crematorium.
- Freezing staff pay and benefits and deleting vacant posts to
reduce costs but safeguarding other jobs.
