Agenda item

At Council on 19th February the Children’s Service MTSRP was agreed subject to the PDSP considering the implications of the savings proposed within Early Years and Children’s Centres and to review potential alternative options. The attached Draft Proposal and Terms of Reference lay out a proposed means to carry out this piece of work (Appendix 1).

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People Strategy and Commissioning introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the Panel were being asked to consider and agree the Draft Proposal and Terms of Reference and to establish a Task and Finish Group to carry out the detailed work proposed.

He added that this process will allow the Cabinet to consider options for the delivery of £2,335k of savings from the Early Years and Children’s Centres budget within the Children’s Service over the 2014 – 15 and 2015 – 16 financial years.

He stated that the Panel were to embark on a series of briefings in May, June & July before embarking on a Task and Finish Group exercise from mid-July to late September.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that Children’s Services had to implement huge cuts in the recent budget and wanted it to be clear within the terms of reference that the figures mentioned were proposed savings that would still need to be agreed by the Council.

She also asked that the 3 possible models of operation show what the service would look like having undergone a full range of cuts, a service created from a blank sheet and an intermediate model as it provide the Panel with the appropriate evidence.

Councillor Anthony Clarke commented that he was not happy with the year on year cuts imposed on this service area and asked that the Cabinet be given notice that the Panel feels a degree of protection should be given to Children’s Services.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked for section 2(ii) of the terms of reference to be amended so that it was not solely the most vulnerable young people, but also those in danger of becoming vulnerable.

The Divisional Director for Preventative Services commented that during the work of the Task & Finish Group it may be that more than 3 possible models are identified but they need to be aware of the resources they will have at their disposal.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the officers agreed with her proposal in principle.

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People Strategy and Commissioning said that he did.

The Chair referred to the timeline within the terms of reference and suggested that if required members of the Panel should visit the centres over the summer to gain further knowledge. She then asked for members of the Panel to indicate if they wish to become part of the Task & Finish Group.

The Vice-Chair, Councillor Sarah Bevan, Councillor Liz Hardman and the Chair, Councillor Sally Davis agreed to form the Task & Finish Group.

Councillor Dine Romero asked if the Panel had considered co-opting someone from outside the Panel onto the Task & Finish Group.

The Chair replied that she would discuss the matter with the Early Years & Extended Services Manager.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

(i)  Agree the Draft Proposal and Terms of Reference with the following amendments.

Section 1.ii – At the meeting of Council on 19th February 2013 which agreed the budget 2013 – 2016 an amendment was agreed which deferred the implementation of budget reductions in Early Years and Children’s Centre Services until 2014 – 15.  The revised proposed savings profile is set out below:

Section 2.ii – This timescale was identified because of the scale of the reduction to be made; the need to ensure a continuing focus on the most vulnerable young children and their families and those in danger of becoming so;

(ii)  Establish a Task and Finish Group to carry out the detailed work as proposed.