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CC Supplemenatry report on Draft Budget
Communities and Culture Committee
Supplementary Report on the Draft Budget
Background
The Committee has previously reported to the Finance Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 27.3, on the scrutiny of the Minister for Heritage concerning the draft budget. The purpose of this supplementary report is to summarise the issues raised during scrutiny of the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government and the Deputy Minister for Housing; at a meeting held in Cardiff Bay on 28 November 2007.
Key Points
The Committee:
- Notes that the budget for community purposes has reduced by 2.2% but acknowledges that this budget expenditure line (BEL) has increased substantially over recent years - to some £48 million; and welcomes the Minister’s assurance that this budget is sufficient to meet all relevant commitments, including extending 'Communities First’ into new areas. This initiative will be called 'Communities Next’ and there will be a public consultation in the New Year; including the possibility of matching this expenditure with European Union 'convergence’ funding.
- Notes the £1million allocated to the post office development fund, included within the community BEL.
- Notes the allocation of £3.6 million to tackle domestic violence; and is pleased that this funding is aimed mainly at supporting victims rather than perpetrators.
- Notes that £1 million has been allocated for Gypsy/Travellers; mainly to upgrade and renew existing sites - but that there are no current plans to develop new sites.
- Notes the transfer of funding between capital and revenue, giving a total funding of some £23.7 million for the fire and rescue service; and welcomes the fact that this expenditure will focus on promoting community safety.
- Welcomes the introduction of a child poverty BEL in the budget; and notes that part of this funding will be used to establish an expert working group to advise on policy in this important area.
- Notes that the Welsh Assembly Government is developing a new social inclusion strategy.
- Welcomes the total of £22.8 million included for the Substance Misuse Action Fund and notes that the developing strategy will address the serious issue of alcohol misuse.
- Welcomes the £1.5 million over the next three years to assist first time buyers. The Deputy Minister undertook to provide the Committee with a report on the review of the 'Home Buy’ scheme.
- Welcomes the £82.3 million allocated for social housing grant and the additional £21 million hypothecated for specialist housing schemes.
- Notes that after a modest increase next year, funding for the home energy efficiency scheme remains constant at £19.8 million for the following three years. We hope that the Welsh Assembly Government will take account of rising fuel poverty when allocating this funding. The Deputy Minister undertook to provide a note on this matter from the Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing.
Conclusion
The Committee is broadly content with the funding allocated in the draft budget for activities within the portfolios of the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government and the Deputy Minister for Housing.
