Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Karen Leach, Councillor Gary Mulvaney and Kenny Matheson.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Argyll and Bute HSCP Finance and Policy Committee held on 17 March 2026

The Minutes of the meeting of the Argyll and Bute HSCP Finance and Policy Committee held on 17 March 2026 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Head of Finance

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing a summary of financial performance against budget for the 2025/26 year.

Decision

The Finance and Policy Committee noted –

1.    that the HSCP was reporting a £2.9m or 0.7% underspend against budget for 2025/26;

2.    that represents a significant improvement in financial performance as a consequence of delivery of savings and the financial recovery plan along with favourable year end NHS inter-board charges;

3.    that general reserves increased from £2.6 to £4.7m as a result of the improved financial performance; and

4.    savings of £8.0m had been delivered, 90% of target.

(Reference: Report by Head of Finance dated 19 May 2026, submitted)

Report by Head of Finance

The Committee gave consideration to a report seeking formal approval for the introduction of a new fee of £5 per week for the Responder Service. The report also advised of a request for approval from Argyll and Bute Council for an increase in the weekly fee cap on Social Work / Social Care Fees.

Decision

The Finance and Policy Committee –

1.    noted that the Responder Service was to be maintained as a 24 hour, 7 day per week service;

2.    noted the responder service was non-statutory and would cost £2.0m in 2026/27;

3.    endorsed the introduction of a £5 per week charge for the responder service and noted the IIA;

4.    noted that the HSCP expected to implement the charge from September 2026 so there was sufficient time to implement and communicate the change and fee waiver process;

5.    endorsed the increase in the social care weekly charging cap from £145 to £167 from 6 July 2026;

6.    noted that Argyll and Bute Council approved the above changes to fees and charges at Council on 29 April 2026; and

7.    noted that there remained some degree of risk in respect of the responder service charge.

(Reference: Report by Head of Finance dated 19 May 2026, submitted)

Report by Head of Finance

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an early overview of the budget outlook for social work and social care services for 2027/28.

Decision

The Finance and Policy Committee –

1.    noted that the Council was commencing financial planning for 2027/28;

2.    noted that the HSCP was engaged in this process and was forecasting a budget gap of circa £3.2m which would require to be addressed through the development of further savings plans and / or additional resourcing;

3.    noted there was a high degree of uncertainty and risk regarding funding and costs for 2027/28; and

4.    noted that the HSCP intended to report its full 3-year outlook to the next meeting.

(Reference: Report by Head of Finance dated 19 May 2026, submitted)

Tuesday 18 August 2026

The date of the next meeting was noted as Tuesday 18 August 2026.