At a Glance…
Peopletoo has a long-standing relationship with Somerset Council and its predecessor, Somerset County Council. We have provided comprehensive support across Children’s Services – both social care and SEND – as well as corporate financial support in relation to maximising the value of third-party expenditure across all non-social care areas.
The Challenge
Initially, we provided joint support with the Local Government Association in relation to Children’s Services where the Council was experiencing significant in-year budget pressures and challenges in setting a balanced budget for future years. More recently, we were asked by the Chief Executive to provide support across a range of areas in response to significant financial pressures being experienced by the new authority and the risk of potentially having to issue a Section 114 notice. This support covered all areas of third-party expenditure across the Council, as well as comprehensive support in Children’s Services where demand and financial pressures were escalating.
Our Approach & Delivery
Our initial work involved a detailed financial diagnostic of Children’s Services, leading to the setting of a new plan with £11m net savings modelled and a new transformation programme. During mobilisation, our Chief Executive chaired the departments new transformation board.
Our more recent support on the Strategic Commissioning programme involved an initial review of all third-party spend and contracts, leading to a prioritised list of opportunities. We have subsequently provided more detailed ‘hands on’ support to drive out efficiencies across fleet, home to school transport, grounds maintenance, and highways.
In Children’s Services, we have undertaken an updated review, re-set the financial plan, designed an updated transformation programme, and provided initial mobilisation support at a programme level and on specific commissioning projects. We have also undertaken a detailed review of SEND and High Needs Block expenditure, identifying significant cost reduction opportunities and are now supporting the Council to design and mobilise a new change programme.
Outcomes Achieved
Our partnership with Somerset Council has identified a wide range of significant financial opportunities, which we are now working with the Council to progress and secure. The value of our work is seen in the confidence of the Chief Executive and the request to support and work across multiple areas of the authority. We have built strong and trusted relationships within the authority, as evidenced by the testimonial below from the Director of Children’s Services regarding our approach.
“Communication has been regular and clear from all staff, from the CEO to front line support officers, with high energy to work alongside officers to drive sustainable change. Subject matter experts, with senior experience within councils have offered effective challenge and co-created solutions.”
