Agenda item

To consider the report of the T&F group

The Committee considered the final report of the Task/Finish Group who conducted a Scrutiny Review of Residential Provision.

As Chairman of the Task/Finish Group, Councillor Neilson was invited to introduce the report and to go through certain items which might need further explanation or clarification. The Committee was informed that the group had been set up with some very clear guidelines. These were to scrutinise the residential provision that Cheshire East provided, evaluate the efficacy of these services and then subsequently come to some conclusions regarding a possible way forward in future practice. Councillor Neilson explained however, that as the review progressed it became clear that some elements of care that were perhaps outside of the group’s remit, such as fostering, required some comment and as a result these were included in the report.

Councillor Neilson continued to go through the report and explained certain items which might need further clarification. For instance, it was noted that the phrase ‘in house’ used in the report refers to those services within the geographical area of Cheshire East, not just those provided by the Council. It was suggested and agreed that when referring to services provided in the area of Cheshire East but not those provided by the Council, then these should be described as being ‘in borough’.

In concluding, Councillor Neilson made it clear to the Committee that residential care should always be the last resort. Whilst there was recognition that there would always be a need for residential care, the group had reached the agreement that early intervention was the best way forward. Not only would this reduce the need for residential care thereby reducing cost, most importantly it provided the best outcome for Cheshire East’s cared for and vulnerable children and young people. 

Prior to considering the recommendations, attention was drawn to the fact that the report had made some recommendations about certain elements of care which were the responsibility of the Corporate Parenting Board. It was suggested and agreed that this is made clear in the summary at the beginning of the report.

The Committee discussed each recommendation in turn and after detailed consideration they were approved.

The Chairman asked the Committee to consider some additional paragraphs that would be inserted into the report. These were discussed and agreed.

As portfolio holder, Councillor Gaddum was asked when Cabinet might be able to bring back a response to Committee. The Committee was informed that a response could be available in late October but there was a request for flexibility considering the fact that budgetary decisions would be given priority during the next couple of months.

RESOLVED –

a)     That the report of the Task/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;

c)      That the response of Cabinet be considered by the Task/Finish Group in due course;

d)     That the Task/Finish Group be requested to keep progress under review, and to report further on the implementation of the Report’s recommendations in 12 -18 months time.

e)     That the Committee offer their thanks to Councillor Neilson and the task/finish group membership for their hard work and excellent report.

f)        That a thank you is extended to Denise French for her scrutiny support and drafting skills.