Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Durham, M Grant and J Weatherill

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2018 as a correct record.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2018.

RESOLVED

That the minutes be approved as a correct record subject to Councillor D Flude being included in the list of those present.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To provide an opportunity for Members to declare the existence of a party whip in relation to any item on the agenda

There were no whipping declarations.

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered.

There were no members of the public present wishing to speak.

To give consideration to the budget proposals which fall within the remit of the Committee.

Consideration was given to the areas of the Pre-Budget Consultation which fell within the remit of the Committee for the period 2019/20 to 2021/22. The following comments were made:

14. Children and Families Transport

·         Members considered the revenue savings to be realistic.

·         Schools needed further training on how children with SEND could use public transport.

·         Some special schools were out of borough, which was costly in terms of resources and the childs time.

15. Provide school meal subsidy

·         The procurement process would be opened up to smaller local suppliers to invest in the local community. However they would need to be able to cope with the volume and EU procurement laws.

·         The funding for school meals should be reviewed by the Department for Education. Councillor Flude agreed to take this issue up with her MP.

18. Realignment of Children’s Services funding steams

·         Members expressed concerns that the additional funding may not cover the deficit. it was noted that the Schools Forum had agreed to put an additional £1m into the budget.

19. Extension of traded service opportunities with schools

·         this investment was not about generating income but ensuring the service was fit for purpose

38. Review and reduction of contract values

·         this was a systematic review of contracts that was expected to make around 3-5% savings.

·         The Committee agreed to receive a briefing on the powers of the local authority in relation to planning applications for private residential care.

45. Review of allowances for children previously cared for

·         This saving would be applied to all cases and be a phased approach.

·         this area should be included in the performance scorecard.

71. Council Tax % Charge Increase

·         it was noted that this would not solve the pressures for next years budget

RESOLVED

1.       That no formal comments or recommendations be submitted to Cabinet.

2.       That allowances for previously cared for children be added to the performance scorecard.

3.       That the committee receive a briefing on the power of the local authority in relation to planning applications for private residential care.

To receive a report and presentation on themes, issues and demands of the Integrated Front Door service.

The Committee received a report and presentation on the themes, issues and demands of the Integrated Front Door Service. The presentation detailed:

·         Agencies part of the front door

·         what the service does

·         Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub

·         Youth Justice Service

·         Missing from home and child exploitation team

·         young addaction

·         Health professionals role

·         what’s working well

·         Next steps

It was agreed that additional health professionals in the front door were required, however the NHS did not currently have the capacity to provide this. There was currently one member of staff who was trained to use the various agencies systems to collect and analyse information held.

In relation to private children’s homes and children missing from home, the committee noted that the service had a good, robust relationship with the Police and care homes. If the service was not happy with providers cases were escalated to the LSCB for action.

It was noted that all agencies being location in one place and the introduction of signs of safety were working well. Improvement needed to made in relation to the information provided by the ambulance service and the screening tools being completed to ensure that decision making was evidence based.

The Committee agreed that it would be beneficial for the Committee to the visit the integrated front door service and that all members be urged to attend the signs of safety training.

RESOLVED

1.    That a visit to the integrated front door be arranged.

2.    That Members be urged to attend the signs of safety training.

To give consideration to the areas of the forward plan which fall within the remit of the Committee.

Consideration was given to the areas of the forward plan, which fell within the remit of the Committee.

RESOLVED

That the forward plan be received.

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was agreed that a briefing paper on the planning conditions and restrictions relating to residential provision  be considered by the Committee. It was also agreed that the review of allowances for children previously cared for be added as an item on the performance scorecard.

RESOLVED

·         That a briefing paper the planning conditions and restrictions relating to residential provision be added to the work programme.

·         That the review of allowances for children previously cared be added to the performance scorecard.