Agenda item

Andrew Wolverson, Head of Service People, introduced the report and gave an overview of the work done to deliver the Government’s National Troubled Families Programme. The programme in Wolverhampton is known locally as “Families in Focus”.

An updated draft the of the PBR Action Plan was sent previously to panel members for information.

The Head of Service People advised the panel that the performance of Wolverhampton at the start of the programme was behind those of neighbouring authorities but has since improved. The Head of Service People explained the reasons for this was that a decision was made at the start to take a different approach to identifying families as part of efforts to embed the approach as part of an overall family support programme which is expected to lead to better outcomes in the future. The number of claims has increased to 30%, which is better than regional and national performance.

The Head of Service People advised the panel that the approach had been recognised nationally and the Council is seen as example of good practice and had visits from other authorities to see the work being done to support families.

The Head of Service People advised the panel that the council is working with partner organisations to get them on board with the different approach to supporting families.

The panel discussed the challenges to delivering the programme. The Head of Service People advised that getting people into employment was the issue that all authorities were struggling to make progress. The Head of Service commented on initiatives such as Work Box scheme, which is aimed at helping people back into employment and training.

The panel queried the financial implications to the Council if the target set by Government is not reached. The Head of Service People replied that a decision was made not to set up a separate team to deliver the programme and instead the approach has been to embed the new ways of working, with a focus on improving future practice.

The panel queried the implications in the action plan of the decision to put on hold the peer review with Birmingham City Council. The Head of Service People advised the panel that while there was a willingness from Birmingham, a decision was made by the Council not to go ahead with the plan at this time. The council is currently working with a London borough to offer peer challenge, who is doing good work on reducing levels worklessness.

The panel discussed the funding of the Troubled Families programme.

The panel queried if Families in Focus programme would be able to help in a situation where a family was at risk of losing their home. The Head of Service advised that the programme would not be able to pay rent arrears in this situation but would refer a family to an agency that could offer financial advice.

The focus of the current approach is ensuring key people are aware that a family is in financial difficulties at much earlier stage before court action is taken and they get the advice needed. The programme could help a family to pay a rental deposit on a new property if evicted in these circumstances.

The Head of People advised the panel of the work done to build relationships with the police and other agencies to support the delivery of the transformational element of the programme.

Resolved:

            The panel agreed to note the report and the progress made against performance targets.