Welcome to a new week. For a change I have a Monday update for you as on Friday I was at a meeting of the Senior Leadership Forum (this brings together me, Directors and Third Tier Managers).
It was an interesting day, and a reminder of how important our work together is for so many different aspects of life in Argyll and Bute – thank you to everyone who gave useful updates on council projects as wide ranging as climate change action, regeneration, housing, data, automation, and the great work being done to keep The Promise in Argyll and Bute – this is Scotland’s commitment to supporting care experienced young people.
We also had a discussion about possible changes to the organisational structure – where services sit together under different Heads of Service. As I’ve mentioned to you before, we are looking at how different ways of working could help us meet the many challenges that are coming to councils and the wider public sector. So for example, if key assets came under the same Head of Service, would it be easier to get more benefit from them? If we create a central policy unit, could that free-up some time for busy services to deal with their heavy workloads?
I have been asked if this is about making savings. No, it is not.
Argyll and Bute needs our services and the council needs our employees to deliver them. This is about finding ways of working together that help us all deal with our day-to-day and longer term challenges. I’ve spoken with you before about Connect for Success – this is all part of that.
The plan is to put a proposed organisational structure to a meeting of full Council in June with any changes not happening before April 2025. At this stage we do not have a fully considered structure, we are still considering options, but I will of course share details with you before a proposal goes to Council in June. Between now and then you are welcome to get in touch with any questions you have – workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Separately, on Friday we also heard updates on some of the work being done just now that is about helping the council prepare for expected budget gaps.
How much do you think the council’s annual utilities bill is? It’s about £4 million! If we cut that bill, for example by reducing the number of buildings we use, that could deliver significant savings – and raise income if we sell or rent out buildings. The progress being made in our ‘Our Modern Workspace’ and depot rationalisation projects will help us make this kind of savings.
Legislative change could bring more income, for example through a Visitor Levy. And so too of course could increasing council tax – did you know that every 1% increase in council tax brings about another £600,000 for council services?
We are also looking for ‘spend to save’ projects – investing in something that will deliver more savings than it cost. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please do get in touch at workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk
I will update you more again on Friday about some of the points touched on here.
I’d like to finish today by mentioning the – MCR Pathways – Nationwide Mentoring Programme. This is all about supporting care experienced young people by giving one hour of your time a week. I have signed up for it – if it’s something you think you might be interested in, please do find out more about it.
I hope you have a good week and will be back in touch with you on Friday. As always, any questions welcome to workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive.