Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from the following Councillors

Cllr Paula Brookfield

Cllr Susan Constable

Cllr Lorna McGregor

Cllr Christopher Haynes

Cllr Michael Heap

Apologies were received from the following members of the panel

Cyril Randles

Leanne Dack

There were no declarations of interest received.

[To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record.]

With reference to the meeting 23.7.14 Rosalie Watkins, and Cyril Randles stated that were not sent papers for the meeting in advance of the meeting and wanted it recorded they had not been given sufficient advance notice.

As a result of the error Rosalie Watkins was unable to attend the meeting.

With reference to the matters arising item Cllr Daniel Warren was incorrectly referred to as Cllr Wainwright.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes.]

The Panel expressed its thanks to Jim McElligott for prompt response to the request for information about pupil premium. The Panel commented that they l look forward to receiving a report about how schools are using pupil premium funding at a future meeting.

The Panel also wanted to express thanks to Jim McElligott on his comments about plans for a stricter examination of the selection process used to appoint parent school governors outlined in the meeting.

[To give pre-decision consideration of proposals to remodel play service provision]

Cllr Val Gibson (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families) introduced the report. Cllr Gibson apologised for the late presentation of the papers and outlined the reasons for wanting pre-decision scrutiny of the proposals. Cllr Gibson explained that the report relates to savings targets proposals previously announced during the budget consultation process.

Cllr Evans stated that the Conservative group do not accept that this report is a pre-decision scrutiny item. Cllr Evans commented that the panel have not been given sufficient prior notice to properly consider the proposals detailed in the report. Furthermore, he was concerned that ward councillors affected by the change had not been properly consulted about the changes in advance of the meeting.

Cllr Gibson explained that originally the plan was to consider closing all three sites. However, following a discussion with Ros Jervis, Director Public Health, it was agreed that funding would be provided to help maintain some existing outdoor play provision.

Andrew Wolverson outlined the reasons for proposing the closure of Gatis Street and the Scotlands adventure playgrounds.

Cllr Waite commented on the feasibility of the community groups taking the responsibilities involved in managing the sites, under the community asset transfer option. Cllr Waite also queried the level of professional support that would be given to community groups, interested in operating Gatis Street and Scotlands Adventure; but who may lack the experience and knowledge to submit a bid and manage such a scheme. Cllr Waite commented that it was important that the lessons from previous attempts to support a community asset transfer should be considered.

Cllr Gibson confirmed that the lessons from the previous community asset transfer would be shared and used to inform future plans. Andrew Wolverson commented on the support that would be available to help people interested in being involved and running a facility as a community asset.

Cllr Warren wanted a reassurance that if local community groups were not able to take on the management that the option to consider the disposal of the sites would be a last resort. Cllr Warren was concerned about the impact that the loss of the facility would have on the local community.

Andrew Wolverson explained that a report would have to go back to Cabinet Resources Panel if no community groups expressed an interest in taking up the option of managing the site as community asset.

Cllr Waite referred to the previous attempt at community asset transfer and the importance of learning the lessons from this experience.

Cllr O’Neill commented on the reference in the report about the responsibilities on the Council to meet requirement in the Education Act 2006 and whether the proposed changes would ensure that it would still be able to provide opportunities for structured play. Andrew Wolverson explained that current play provision for 0-5 delivered in childrens centre and the work being done with parents to provide more play opportunities.

Cllr Warren expressed concerns about the potential disposal of play service provision and wanted alternative option to selling the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

[To give pre-decision consideration of proposals to remodel existing Looked After Children services]

Exclusion of public and press

Resolved:

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within the paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Act set out below:

Item No.         Title                                                                Applicable paragraph

5                       Proposals regarding Children’s

                      Residential and Fostering Provision                      3

Proposals regarding Children’s Residential and Fostering Provision

Cllr Val Gibson presented the report on a proposal to remodel existing Looked after Children services and plans to increase the number of local  family placements available  for children who would otherwise  need to be placed in a residential home. Cllr Gibson outlined plans detailed in the report to create a specialist foster carers service to meet the needs of Looked After Children with higher care and or support needs.

Cllr Gibson explained that the key aim of the proposal was to improve outcomes for children and young people in care. Cllr Gibson explained that the savings detailed in the financial implications section of the main report.

Cllr Gibson explained that the Council has a duty to consult with young people and their families about the plans.

The panel discussed the impact of the planned reduction in beds on the ability of the Council to meet future changes. Emma Bennett explained that some children would still need secure accommodation and the Council would always need to have some residential care provision. The need for residential care provision can also met be met by using external providers.

Cllr Waite commented on the plans to market and promote the specialist foster care service. Cllr Gibson responded that the marketing recruitment campaign has already started.

Cllr Warren expressed support for the plans but queried how the Council would be able to respond to a situation in five to ten years where there is a surge in the number of looked after children needing residential care.  Emma Bennett explained that there is an external market for secure places and extra provision can be found if needed. In addition, Emma Bennett explained that with the current use of beds there was sufficient capacity in the system, but the planned closure of residential homes would be reviewed to take stock of the situation.

Emma Bennett explained that the provision of specialist foster care was £20,000 cheaper compared to placing a child in residential care and also gives children better outcomes.

Resolved

The panel fully support the proposals detailed in the report to remodel existing Looked after Children Services. The panel would like its comments on the proposals incorporated into the report for the Cabinet meeting on 10.9.14.