MINUTES FROM ITA MEMBER WORKING GROUP

SYPTE BUDGET SETTING 2014/15

23 SEPTEMBER 2013, SYPTE OFFICES, BOARD ROOM, BSW

Attendees:

Cllr Mick JamesonITA Chair

Cllr Leigh BramallITA Vice Chair

Cllr Allan JonesDoncaster CC

Cllr Gerald SmithRotherham MBC

Cllr David LeechBarnsley MBC

Ben StillInterim Director General, SYPTE

David YoungDeputy Interim Director General, SYPTE

Dawn MadinHead of Organisational Development

Apols: Cllr Ian Auckland; Cllr David Nevett; Cllr Jayne Dunn

ACTION
1.INTRODUCTION
DY welcomed Members to the meeting which had been set up as agreed at the ITA, to guide SYPTE’s budget setting.
2.SUMMARY
DY talked Members through a presentation which explained:
  • SYPTE is effectively a shared service funded by the Councils. The Councils face budgetchallenges going forward and this in turn impacts on SYPTE.

  • The meeting noted the historic savings delivered by SYPTE and also the split of SYPTE’s budget across the areas of spend.

  • The meeting noted that SYPTE had undertaken a review of its business areas and this had identified potential savings of £1.8m against a target of between £6m - £12m.

  • A review of “support services” and “cross-functional” services were being undertaken to bring forward further savings.

  • Along with the SY Treasurers, a review of SYPTE financing was being undertaken, although savings may be restricted by the District Auditors’ (KPMG) requirement for SYPTE to tackle its deficit in line with deficit reduction policies for public bodies.

3.PROCESS FOR BUDGET SAVINGS FOR 2014/15
3.1The meeting noted that the above process was described in the Executive Board report circulated. Furthermore, discussions were being held with Council’s Treasurers and Transport Officers, the aim being to improve openness and help achieve alignment of Council and SYPTE savings.
3.2The discussion then moved on to the need for cuts in the following areas:
  • Discretionary Concessions

  • Community Transport

  • Supported (Tendered) Bus Services.

A short paper on key facts relating to each area was circulated.
3.3A discussion took place on the presentation and papers. The key point arising were:
3.3.1The budget setting needed to consider a 3 year view, not just 1 year. SYPTE to adapt its processes to meet this requirement. / BS/DY
3.3.2Three further MWGs were agreed to discuss:
  • Greater focus on concessions, CT and supported bus services – w/c 21 October
  • Discuss other customer impacting cost proposals arising from Reviews – w/c 18 November
  • Present draft budget (prior to wider ITA discussion on draft after January ITA) – w/c 16 December

BStill’s office to arrange. / GB
3.3.3It was questioned whether a Business Improvement District Solution across South Yorkshire offered a funding option for supported bus services. / DY
3.3.4At the next MWG the discussion on supported bus services should follow the prioritisation for savings, as outlined in the presentation, but must also provide memberswith patronage data and cost/passenger by supported bus service. / DY
3.3.5The savings approach being outlined in the presentation for Community Transport and concessions was noted.
3.3.6SYPTE offered to brief wider Council members on the role of SYPTE and the budget. A meeting has been agreed with DMBC. DY to liaise with Cllr G Smith (Rotherham) and Cllr L Bramall (Sheffield) on their requirements. / DY
Cllr D Leech to advise DY if BMBC members want a presentation/discussion. / Cllr DL
4.DATE OF NEXT MEETING
To be arranged for w/c/ 21 October 2013.

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11 April 2019

S:\Budget Process\Budget 2014-15 & IPP\Equality Impact Assessment\Appendix 4\Appendix 4 - Minutes - ITA MWG Budget Meeting 230913.doc