PAPER D

SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE – 6 NOVEMBER 2003

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING IN 2003/04

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

This report sets out details of additional funding, approved by the Council in February 2003 for the Social Services and Housing Directorate.

The purpose of this report is to provide further information and to update members on the allocation and utilisation of these resources.

ACTION REQUIRED BY SELECT COMMITTEE

To make recommendations

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO THE 2003/04 BUDGET (APPENDIX 1)

A report outlining expenditure to date was presented to the Committee in August of this year and this report, as requested by members, gives a further update. The details of expenditure are outlined within Appendix 1.

The expenditure is being strictly monitored, as are activity levels, to ensure maximum benefit from the increase awarded to the Social Services and Housing base budget.

An improvement in delivery, due to these further increases is evident and the budget uplift has reduced the pressure on the various service areas, as listed in Appendix 1. Members should also be aware that aside of this monitoring exercise the resources position for 2004/05 is currently the subject of a robust headroom exercise and a further report will be presented to the Committee when the outcome is determined.

Contact Point: Dawn Cousins, 520600 Ext. 2240

GORDON KENDALL

Portfolio Holder for Social Services and Housing