Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources (copy enclosed).

The Committee received the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources to consider the outcome ofthe Committee’s Working Group’s examination of the background tothisrequest for andthe scoping of potential scrutiny.

The Chairperson introduced the report and deferred to the Corporate Project Officer to present the detail. He informed the Committee that this item was the result of a Member request and the detailed report the Working Group had received set out how Maldon Citizens’ Advice (MCA) supported access to a range of Council services, and included the financial implications of its contractual arrangements with the Council. This had resulted in the Working Group commending the work of MCA to both this Committee and onward to the Council to endorse the excellent value for money MCA represented by way of supporting Council Services. The principal reason for commending this to Council was that the contract was due for renewal early next year and the Working Group felt there was much to be borne in mind when considering renewal.     

The Assistant Director, Service Delivery then provided some examples from the 12,000 people supported last year which included; assisted local residents to obtain £1.7m additional income through benefits etc.; 500 supported in fuel poverty; 850 supported in accessing online services; 238 supported with homelessness advice. In conclusion she informed the Committee that the current level of support required from the Council and/or Essex County Council was now 33% compared to 90% ten years ago. This demonstrated how much hard work MCA had undertaken in seeking alternative funding streams to provide essential services to residents.

There being no further discussion the Chairperson put the recommendations to the Committee and they were agreed by assent.

RECOMMENDED

(i)                That the Council receives and endorses the findings of this scrutiny itemas detailed in the briefingpaperat Appendix Ato thisreport;

(ii)              ThatMembers’ attention isdrawnto thefinancial implications of thecontractual arrangement with MCA and the excellent valueformoneydeliveredby wayof supportinga wide range ofCouncil services, sothat this is borne in mindwhen the contract isreviewednextyear.