Summary of 14 money saving projects

Ref	Name	Issue	Solution
P01	External Partnerships	Our two major partnership contracts Equans and Capita will expire during the MTFP.	Manage our contracts to make sure they represent good value for money and we are ready when they expire, accelerating the return where possible and financially beneficial to do so.
P02	Buildings & Asset Management	We have a large estate which costs us more than the current budget to repair and maintain.	Assess whether we can make better use of our buildings, whether we need them all and if we can generate savings and capital receipts by selling assets we no longer need.
P03	Public Sector Reform	The public sector is evolving, with local devolution and national policy changes. We need to respond to change and opportunity, to ensure long-term sustainability of services and achieve better outcomes.	Work differently, including improvements to our digital and customer service, manage demand and be in a proactive position for any new funding opportunities in line with ONTP priorities.
P04	Inclusive Education / SEND	Despite securing £19.5m of funding, there are still pressures facing the General Fund given high numbers of Education Help and Care Plans (EHCP) and the rising cost of SEND provision.	Create a system that effectively meets need, whilst being more cost effective and managing demand.
P05	Ambition For Education	There are increasing levels of maintained school deficits. Without action, there is a risk we would need to absorb this debt, which is currently in excess of £15m.	Systematically review our education system across North Tyneside so that it supports educational and financial stability.
P06	Home To School Transport	Increase in numbers using service, directly linked to high numbers of EHCP, and rising delivery costs.	Proposing policy changes to ensure we meet need at a statutory level.
P07	Handling Childrens Finance	Increase in both volume and complexity of needs compared to pre-pandemic creating budgetary pressures. Cost of external provision is rising significantly.	Expanding the system to meet the expected need and complexity, by having the right size team, placement mix and focussing on future sustainability.
P08	Climate and Waste	Inflation, housing growth and sustainable waste management commitments, including the new government policy on food waste, are increasing our contracts cost and creating additional pressure during the MTFP.	Prepare for the new waste policy. Continue to work with residents on behavioural change to reduce waste and increase recycling. Introduce garden waste charges, in line with LA7, but at the lowest level.
P09	Great Landlord & Specialist Housing	Specialist housing need is causing financial pressure (homelessness, bed and breakfast and children’s residential homes).	Develop alternative delivery models, including a new extra care scheme, and exploring opportunities for the HRA & Trading Company to support our objectives.
P10	Health & Social Care	Increase in both demand and complexity as well as significant inflationary pressures and recruitment challenges within the sector.	Review of discharge pathways, client contributions and developing market capacity to appropriately meet need and regular review of packages to ensure compliance with Care Act requirements.
P11	Financial Management	The financial management of our activities is appropriate and compliant with regulations, but could we support operational activity better?	Continue to regularly review the risk areas identified, and whether we are spending and saving in a way that supports our services, regulatory obligations, and ONT strategic plan best.
P12	People & Workforce	The Authority employs a large workforce and needs to ensure we have the right people with the right skills at the right time.	Review our workforce, including targeted voluntary redundancy where it is right to do so, with recruitment and retention activity helping to ensure we have an appropriate mix of staff.
P13	Services to Schools	National policy means our relationship with Schools is changing, therefore we need the charging policy to keep pace with that.	Adjusting the services we deliver to reflect the changing relationship, ensuring financial sustainability.
P14	Commissioned Services	The Authority spends a significant amount of money each year on commissioning services, particularly in social care and we need to ensure a consistent approach in commercial negotiations and quality monitoring.	Review arrangements, comparing to best practice and identifying opportunities for financial and operational improvements.