Joint Trade Union Budget Suggestions to avoid compulsory redundancies

To avoid compulsory redundancies and terms, protect jobs and essential public services we would ask the Council’s political groups to consider the following suggestions;

Parking Charges; Charges could be introduced for on-street and off-street parking. We understand that previous Council papers have indicated generating income of over £1 million.

Area Committee Discretionary Grant Funding; Reduce this by 100% saving about £1.2 million.

ERVS; Current proposal to save £200k, this could be considerably increased if it is extended to include flexible retirement and there is clear guidance on service priorities.  Possible savings in excess of £1 million.

Gull Control Project; Introduce a charge to householders to achieve income in excess of £35k.

Third Sector Grant Funding & Commissioning; Consider areas of duplication of funding from both the Council and external partners.  Possible savings in excess of £200k.

Leisure & Sport; Consider all options to generate savings and avoid compulsory redundancies. Possible savings in excess of £1 million & opportunities for income generation.

Fees & Charges; Review these across all Departments to maximise income by, increasing to full cost recover or reduce others to increase use of facilities generating more income as appropriate.

HR Policy & Procedures; Improve training to ensure consistent and efficient staffing practices across various failing policies, to add to already identified attendance maximisation savings and improve workplace efficiency.

Payments to private nurseries; Increased provision of Council services and offer addition chargeable childcare options out-with the school day to encourage parental take-up.  Savings/Income in excess of £300k

Consultancy Fees; Remove consultancy fees to the minimum possible.

Hospitality costs; Reduce by 50% to save over £20k.

Review payments to external organisations, commissions, grants, events; to avoid duplication or un-necessary service delivery. Potential savings in excess of £1 million.

Review use of ERVS leavers and their remuneration.

Pool cars; Review the cost and efficiency of the current provision.

Care & Repair and Below Tolerable Standards Grants; Provide in-house delivery of the works keeping the funding in the council, as the applicants also make a contribution and often pay for additional works this could generate income in excess of £3.5m.

These suggestions could contribute in excess of £9 million to the budget and this amount would be increased when including the suggestions where we have not been able to indicate a specific figure. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss these suggestions with the groups prior to their final budget setting discussions.