Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director Customer Focus.

Purpose of report

Overview and Scrutiny have requested answers to questions relating to the council’s Transformation programme. This report responds to the questions raised and answers them as they have been asked.

Recommendations

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolves:

1.1       To comment on the contents of this report and make any recommendations.

Resolved

(1)  That having given due consideration, the Transformation Programme report be noted.

The Committee considered a presentation and report from the Assistant Director Customer Focus on the Council’s Transformation Programme, covering an introduction, next steps, strategic alignment, and implications.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership introduced the report, advising members that the programme began in June 2024 with an external consultant supporting services to deliver a three phase piece of work:

•           Phase 1 – Cost Based Service Catalogue

•           Phase 2 – Demand & Effectiveness Proposals

•           Phase 3 – Service Level Options

Members were advised that panel sessions were implemented with the purpose to confirm that proposals were credible, implementation was achievable, the risks were appropriately assessed, and the potential benefits realistic.

It was also advised that PA Consulting were commissioned in January 2025 to help develop plans for achieving the transformation opportunities identified from the first three phases, specifically covering:

•           Programme Set up.

•           Agile Delivery – Process Automation

•           Culture Change

This work concluded in early March 2025, and the final report, as part of a case for change, would be considered by the Executive as soon as practicable.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership detailed that savings had been built into next year’s budget from the £4.1m of identified effectiveness changes from the phase 2 work. These efficiencies were identified by services without impacting service delivery and the levels residents currently receive from the Council.  Any impact on service delivery would depend on the financial situation facing the Council at the time of budget setting, and as per the usual process there would be consultation on any proposed service level changes.

In response to a question regarding the impact of Local Government Reorganisation on the Transformation Programme, the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership explained that the work was essential for ensuring the council was in the best position, having implemented strategic efficiencies for any future changes.

In response to a question on the involvement of both the Executive and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the process of the Transformation Programme, members were advised that regular updates would be provided throughout the process.

In response to a question on the possible implementation of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) within the Councils service areas, the Head of Digital and Innovation advised that the integration of A.I. within service areas was being looked into as a way to enhance efficiency and improve accessibility to the services provided by the council.

Resolved

(1)  That having given due consideration, the Transformation Programme report be noted.