Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Task & Finish group

The Committee received the final report of the Task and Finish Group who conducted a Scrutiny Review of Family Support Services. Councillor Westwood, as Chairman of the group explained the main thrust behind the recommendations.

It was reported how it was important that Family Support became a ‘brand’, something behind which a number of authorities, services and stakeholders can get behind and support. It was also explained that if services did become more ‘joined up’, as suggested in the recommendations, it would be much easier to continuously monitor and evaluate the success of the programme.

Attention was also drawn to the fact that in a difficult economic climate, the key to getting the very best out of all available resources was to be systematic and organised. It was hoped that the recommendations of the report outlined a way forward for achieving this.

Councillor Gaddum wished to acknowledge the work of the group in producing an excellent and comprehensive report. Thanks were also extended to Ruth Jenkins for her support and expertise in producing the report.

RESOLVED –

a)      That the report of the Scrutiny Task and Finish Group be welcomed and supported.

b)      That the recommendations of the Group be endorsed, and referred to the Cabinet for consideration and necessary action, and that the Cabinet be invited initially to comment on the details of the recommendations.