MEMBERS of the Finance Panel will be given a presentation on “Transformation” and what that actually means for Powys County Council (PCC).

Transformation is seen by many as just another “buzz word” for cuts and that more resources will be put into digital services with face-to face services losing out.

This is something that Vanessa Young, corporate director of Transformation, has denied.

She will be seeking to explain to the Finance Panel on Wednesday, August 7, what is supposed happen.

On twitter, Ms Young told the Local Democracy Service: “It’s about giving citizens easier access to a range of PCC services while ensuring that those who don’t have internet access continue to call or visit us.”

Back in April a special day of seminars was held for councillors to explain how the council’s services are supposed to change over the next five years with a “transformation programme”.

The major projects under the microscope are:

  • Mid Wales Growth Deal
  • Digital Transformation
  • Community Hubs – library reorganisation
  • Affordable Homes
  • 21st Century Schools – coming to an end of Band A
  • Brecon Co-Location project

At times councillors have called for “transformation” to be done at a much quicker pace, as the authority needs to save  between £30 million to £46 million over the next three years.

A report by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) that was discussed by the finance panel in July said that PCC “does not support organisational transformational change”.

Jane Thomas, the head of finance, said that the report was “out of date” but some issues “still exist”.

Appointing a director for transformation was seen by CIPFA as an important “action” to implement for the future.