CHILDREN AND ADULT SERVICES
SAVINGS PROPOSALS
EDUCATION SERVICE
Roll Reduction in Primary Schools
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
-
Recurring revenue savings
-
£500,000
August 2002
Reduction in
no. of teachers
£500,000
Due to demographic changes, the number of pupils in primary education will
decrease.
Budgets based on pupil rolls will be reduced accordingly while
maintaining the same level of service.
Grounds Maintenance
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£40,000
April 2002
None
£40,000
The grounds maintenance budget has been under-spent in the past. The budget
has been re-aligned to reflect actual expenditure patterns, resulting in a saving.
Increase School Meals Charges
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£200,000
April 2002
None
£200,000
It is proposed to increase the school meal charges by 10p per meal. Based on
previous experience of a similar increase (2 years ago), there was no drop off in
demand. Additional income generated will be used to fund spend to save initiatives,
e.g. cashless systems to remove the stigma associated with free school meals.
Music Service
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£40,000
April 2002
None
£40,000
It is proposed to increase the fee for Music from £80.00 per annum to £95.00 per
annum from August 2002.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
1
Employee Development
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£50,000
April 2002
None
£50,000
The method of delivering employee development will be reviewed in line with
recommendations contained within “A Teaching Profession for the 21 st Century”
(McCrone). It is envisaged that staff cover will be reduced and a saving made, with
no reduction in provision.
Management of Vacancies
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£144,000
April 2002
None
£144,000
Savings will be made by managing vacancies through cash controlled school
budgets. Within Support Services, this will be achieved by delaying recruitment.
Within the DSM scheme, staffing budgets will now be expressed only in cash terms.
Pre School Education – Additional Funding
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£240,000
April 2002
None
£240,000
Additional funding made available through mainstream support from the Scottish
Executive. The funding arrangements for this will change at 1 st April 2002, and this
saving can be achieved without impacting on current service levels.
SOCIAL WORK
Accommodation Services for Adults – Additional IncomeImplementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£250,000
April 2002
None
£250,000
An increase in the rates for Transitional Housing Benefit will generate an additional
£250,000 income in excess of the current budget.
Supported Accommodation (Lynebank Discharge) –
Additional Income
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£100,000
April 2002
None
£100,000
An increase in the rates for Transitional Housing Benefit will generate an additional
£100,000 income in excess of the current budget.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
2
Home Care and Meals on Wheels Charges – Additional
Income
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£80,000
April 2002
None
£80,000
It is proposed to raise charges by an average of 5% from 1 April 2002. The specific
increases to each Home Care Charge band and for meals on wheels will be remitted
to the Social and Community Development Committee.
Accommodation Services for Adults – Reduction in
Expenditure
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£250,000
April 2002
None
£250,000
Planned expenditure totalling £500,000 on upgrading accommodation in the current
and next financial year will be reduced to £250,000 across both years. A budget
carry forward of £125,000 into the next financial year will enable the budget of
£250,000 to be saved.
Residential Homes for Older People – Additional Income Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£100,000
April 2002
None
£100,000
Due to a general increase in the income contributions paid by residents and an
increase in the number of self funders, the income target can be increased by
£100,000.
Residential and Nursing Care Home Beds – New Rates
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£240,000
April 2002
None
£240,000
Care Home rates are expected to be set nationally and it is anticipated that
additional funding will be made available from the Scottish Executive to fund the full
cost of the increases. If the changes are fully funded then the Council will not need
to fund the inflationary increase on this part of the budget, saving up to £240,000.
NB This saving can only be realised if funding is made available from the Scottish
Executive.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
3
Criminal Justice Services – Reduced Expenditure
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£60,000
April 2002
None
£60,000
The Council’s contribution has risen through inflation above the percentage required
to attract the grant from the Scottish Executive. As a result it will be possible to
reduce the expenditure budget by £60,000 without affecting the level of grant
income.
Mental Illness Specific Grant Projects – Reduced
Expenditure
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£30,000
April 2002
None
£30,000
-
£10,000
April 2002
None
£10,000
Realigning budget with grant.
Supported Employment – Move Employees to Payroll
of Host Employers
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
Employees are currently employed by the Council who pay the oncosts. Moving the
employees to the payroll of the host employer reduces overheads for the Council.
Switchboard Centralisation
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
-
Recurring revenue savings
-
£30,000
April 2002
Reduction of 3
posts and
redeployment
of staff.
£30,000
This proposal is to remove switchboard service from 7 offices and centralise in one
location. This will require re-organised message facility within offices and removes
the “local” response.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
4
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Rationalisation of Management Arrangements
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£70,000
April 2002
3 FTE
£70,000
Reduction in management posts following review of operational arrangements at a
number of facilities.
Review of operational arrangements to match services
to demand
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£124,500
April 2002
8 FTE
£124,500
Reduction, following review, of operational arrangements including opening hours at
a number of facilities, with resultant reductions in number of seasonal/temporary
posts and the more efficient use of systems such as overtime, etc.
More effective operation of facilities
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£31,000
April 2002
None
£31,000
More efficient operation of support costs in a range of facilities.
Supplies and Services
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£60,230
April 2002
None
£60,230
Reduction in budgets for purchase and maintenance of equipment and materials,
and marketing costs. More efficient use of remaining resources will be sought
including collaborative working with other Council services and external partners.
Rationalisation of infrastructure costs, including a review of charges within
Bereavement Services.
Staff Travel Budgets
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£1,715
April 2002
None
£1,715
Reduction in budget for travel costs within Arts Development.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
5
Mobile Library Services
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£33,900
April 2002
None
£33,900
-
£23,000
April 2002
None
£23,000
Realignment of budget to accord with current provision.
Community Education Centres
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
A more effective targeting of financial support to Centres with regard to their level of
resources will allow a reduction in the levels of direct financial support.
GENERAL FUND HOUSING
Maintenance Projects
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£4,000
April 2002
None
£4,000
Reduction in the overall budget provision for various projects eg. Mutual repairs to
common areas.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
6
ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
SAVINGS PROPOSALS
TRANSPORTATION
Administration – Supplies & Services,
Furniture, Overtime
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£25,000
April 2002
None
£25,000
Efficiency savings generating from the combining of Supplies & Services budgets of
Roads, Transportation & Roads DLO services to single point of control.
Maintenance Budgets – efficiencies and review of
working practices
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£145,000
April 2002
None
£145,000
Review current arrangements to rationalise and prioritise responses to provide
efficiencies in emergency patching, private roads assistance, drainage system
maintenance, service delivery and locating grit bins, out of a budget of £13.4m.
Income – Roundabout Sponsorship/NRSWA/R(S)A/
Speeding Fines
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£12,000
April 2002
None
£15,000
Income generated from ‘Speed Camera Initiative’, increased income from already
implemented charges (NRSWA Charges & Roads (Scotland) Act Charges) and
Roundabout sponsorship project.
Income – Car Parking Fees – Increased Usage
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£22,000
April 2002
None
£22,000
Expected uplift in Car Parking usage from previous 2 years that were adversely
effected by fuel strike crisis and tourism reduction in the aftermath of “Sept 11”.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
7
Income – Car Parking – Charges in line with National
‘On Street’ Fines
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£26,000
April 2002
None
£26,000
Re-align ‘Off street’ parking fines to match ‘On street’ fines that are determined
nationally under the Traffic Regulations.
Income – Car Parking – Stagecoach Agreement at
Ferrytoll
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£21,000
April 2002
None
£21,000
Negotiate the charges for the Ferrytoll Park n Ride facilities to include rent, rates and
electricity with the bus operator, Stagecoach.
Strategic Review to improve Car Parking Facilities:
New tariff/re-investment with effect Oct 2002
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£70,000
Oct 2002
None
£253,000
Strategic review of Car Parking facilities & policies with increased tariff charges
scheduled for implementation in Oct 2002 coupled with an increase in investment.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Employee Costs – Management of Recruitment
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£6,000
April 2002
None
£6,000
-
£10,000
April 2002
None
£10,000
Management of recruitment with no direct effect on targets
Transfer Payments – trainee allowances – matching
expenditure to demand
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
Reduction in total allowances paid to trainees resulting from current trend of lower
trainee numbers due to economic conditions and anticipating impact of new national
training schemes. Changes in client base will impact on training delivery and special
needs support in particular.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
8
Supplies and Premises Costs –
Reduced Expenditure Need
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£36,000
April 2002
None
£36,000
Promotional activity will be re-focused on the range of activities which continue to be
undertaken by the Service following the transfer of activities to the Small Business
Gateway Fife. There will also be a reduction in development costs of Opportunity
Centres following completion of the development programme. Additionally a saving
will result from Best Value Review of the Fife Food Initiative. No effect is anticipated
on performance targets.
Income – Industrial Property Rentals
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£25,000
April 2002
None
£25,000
Additional income will arise from Rent Reviews and increased occupancy levels,
reflecting achievement of Service Plan targets. This includes additional income from
acquisition of Scottish Enterprise Fife’s interest in Dunfermline Business Centre.
PLANNING AND BUILDING CONTROL SERVICE
Increased Building Control Fee Income
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£16,000
April 2002
None
£16,000
It is anticipated that a number of significant developments in west and central Fife
will generate higher fee income.
Reduce Land Management
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£7,000
April 2002
None
£7,000
Efficiency savings in maintenance of redundant reservoirs, woodlands and rights of
way.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
9
Reduce Miscellaneous Admin Budgets
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£13,000
April 2002
None
£13,000
Budgets reduced on basis of actual spending pattern in past two years.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£14,000
April 2002
None
£14,000
Following the introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme as required by the Civic
Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order
2000, additional income is available to the Service which has not previously been
budgeted for.
Pest Control Charging
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£13,000
April 2002
None
£13,000
Following the extension of Pest Control charges to Housing, a Service Level
Agreement will be established to formalise the arrangement. The annual charge will
be for a higher amount than is currently budgeted.
Dog Warden Service – Best Value Review
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£11,000
April 2002
None
£11,000
Implementation of Best Value Review has led to a review of operational
arrangements and Service Standards.
Increase in Charges
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£4,000
April 2002
None
£4,000
2.5% increase in charges per annum. Charging is for Pest Control, Dog Warden
Service and Licensing of Animal Welfare establishments.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
10
Review of Public Convenience Income
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£30,000
April 2002
None
£30,000
The charges for Public Conveniences will be increased from 10p to 20p and that
some of the additional resources will be used to invest in improving the service.
Reappraisal of Refuse Collection
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£143,000
April 2002
None
£143,000
Budget re-allocation of resources to DSO’s to comply with statutory requirements.
Increase Waste Disposal Charges
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£80,000
April 2002
None
£80,000
This increase in trade waste charges takes account of increased operating costs,
increased landfill tax and current market rates. The charge will increase from £21.24
to £25.00 (both inclusive of Landfill Tax). Note to encourage recycling a special rate
of £12.00 would apply to recyclable waste.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
11
SUPPORT SERVICES
SAVINGS PROPOSALS
POLICY AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
Corporate Priorities
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£29,000
April 2002
None
£29,000
Reduction in availability of budget to spend on Corporate Initiatives.
Management of vacancies
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£40,000
April 2002
None
£40,000
Reduction in staffing budget to be achieved through turnover allowance (1.5%) and
deletion/non filling of posts through Service restructuring.
Administration/efficiency savings
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£16,000
April 2002
None
£16,000
It is intended to achieve a reduction in administration/operating costs as a result of
the merger of the former Corporate Policy and Human Resources Services into
Policy and Organisational Development Service.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Intranet/Internet Sponsorship
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£7,500
April 2002
None
£7,500
Attract income from a primary sponsor to endorse the corporate web sites.
Sponsorship is agreed for negotiated contract periods – withdrawal of agreement at
contract conclusion would result in budget shortfalls.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
12
LAW & ADMINISTRATION SERVICE
Printing, Stationery ,Publications, Supplies and
Services Savings
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£30,000
April 2002
None
£30,000
It is anticipated that the introduction of the Intranet and, in due course, the Internet,
will lead to a reduction in printing and stationery costs of 5% in 2002/2003 resulting
in a saving of £10,000 in the first year. As the structural review of the Service
progresses (see ‘Structural Review’ proposal) , it is expected that further savings of
£20,000 will be identified in the Supplies and Services budget.
Miscellaneous Licensing Fees – Increased Income
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£9,000
April 2002
None
£9,000
Discretionary Miscellaneous Licensing fees are normally increased every second
year and a 6% increase is proposed. The effect on the budget is estimated to be
increased income of approximately £9,000.
Liquor Licensing Fees – Increased Income
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£16,000
April 2002
None
£16,000
The fees for Liquor Licensing, which are set by Scottish Parliament, were increased
by 13% with effect from 1st April, 2001. Notification of this change was not received
in time for the budget to be adjusted in the current year. Monitoring of income during
the course of the year indicates that a 13% increase in anticipated income should be
achievable.
Management Of Vacancies
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£30,000
April 2002
None
£30,000
From past experience it is likely that a 1% underspend will be achieved in the staffing
budget arising from normal delays in filling vacant posts.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
13
Structural Review of Law & Administration
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
-
Recurring revenue savings
-
£30,000
April 2002
Elimination of
some posts
as vacancies
arise
£30,000
Following the review of the Fife Council Management Structure and the outcome of
the Budget Review of the Unified Legal Service, the staff structure within the Law
and Administration Service, in particular in respect of Legal Services, is being
reviewed.
A number of vacant posts have been held vacant pending this review and others
have been filled on a temporary basis. Savings in the region of £30,000 may be
achievable as a consequence of the review.
FINANCE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Management of Vacancies
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£110,000
April 2002
None
£110,000
To manage the overall staffing costs budget in terms of delay in filling vacancies,
reviewing the requirement for replacement staff, balanced against the need to fund
annual increments, maternity cover and costs of staff recruitment (interview/removal
expenses, advertising, etc).
Increase in ESW income
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£8,000
April 2002
None
£8,000
As number of properties increase ( 1% per annum ) commission will increase.
Deletion of post
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£12,000
April 2002
None
£12,000
This GS1 clerical post is currently vacant and it is proposed to permanently remove
the post from the Office Services establishment.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
14
Supplies and Services- Materials
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£10,000
April 2002
None
£10,000
Supplies and services budget for microfilming materials no longer required as
microfilming has been outsourced.
IT SERVICES
Management of Vacancies
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£40,000
April 2002
None
£40,000
This saving will be achieved by managing the level of staff vacancies throughout the
year.
SERVICE SUPPORT
Introduction of an Income Budget
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£7,000
April 2002
None
£7,000
The Central Stores is currently looking to expand its customer base. It currently
supplies voluntary organisations with commodities from the Store. Therefore the
introduction of an income budget of £7,000 is proposed. It is envisaged that this shall
be increased in subsequent years.
Management of Staffing Budget
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£50,000
April 2002
None
£50,000
Manage the staffing budget in terms of delaying the filling of vacancies. Minimise
disruption by careful management in accordance with Service priorities.
Management of Staffing Budget
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£15,000
April 2002
None
£15,000
Manage the staffing budget in terms of delaying the filling of vacancies. Minimise
disruption by careful management in accordance with Service priorities.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
15
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S SERVICES
SAVINGS PROPOSALS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE SERVICE
Miscellaneous Savings
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£7,000
April 2002
None
£7,000
-
£56,000
April 2002
None
£56,000
To manage the overall staffing costs.
LOCAL OFFICE NETWORK
Management of Staffing Resources
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
The proposal increases the allowance for staff turnover to 1% of the staffing budget
and will require active management of staff vacancies.
CORPORATE SAVING
Postages/telephones
Implementation Date
Staffing Implications
Recurring revenue savings
-
£150,000
April 2002
None
£150,000
To set an efficiency target across all services to reduce the overall cost of Council
postages and telephones through more efficient management of the respective
budgets by services.
N:2002/Budget 2002-03/Budget Savings/j
16