Issue - meetings

Overview and Scrutiny have requested a Children’s Services Budget update, it is in the form of a presentation as attached in Appendix 1 and will be presented at the meeting

The Corporate Director of Children’s Services presented the report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Overview and Scrutiny had requested a Children’s Services Budget update, it was in the form of a presentation appended to the covering Report.

The Committee discussed the report and presentation, including:

·       In response to a query raised regarding the projected £3.3 million overspend and the plan to address this issue, the Committee was advised that there were several mitigations, some of which were under the control of the service while others were not. A plan was deemed necessary to manage the challenges of placement demand and competitive bidding. The service acknowledged that improved regional commissioning, collaboration with local providers, and a comprehensive understanding of sufficiency needs were essential to address market sustainability and prevent profiteering.

·       In response to a query raised regarding service overspending and the extent to which it was under the service's control, the Committee was advised that service delivery was essential. While efforts were made to reduce the number of agency staff, certain areas remained challenging, a situation that was reflected nationally as well. Ongoing initiatives focused on workforce stability, supported by a strong leadership team that guided the rest of the service.

·       In response to a query about staffing schemes, the Committee was advised that a ‘grow our own’ program was in place. These included apprenticeships aimed at developing social work staff within BCP Council, addressing staffing issues and retaining trained social workers.

·       In response to a query raised regarding whether the service had partnered with any universities to help deliver the ‘Grow our own’ program, the Committee was advised that the service was now working with Solent University to help deliver the training within the programme.

·       In response to a query raised regarding the placement of asylum seeking young people in the budget, the Committee was informed that they fell under the care leavers and the children in care budget. Additionally, some grant funding from Central Government was allocated to support those placements, although it was noted that this funding was not sufficient to cover all the costs.

·       The Committee was advised that officers would provide a breakdown of agency staff and their positions within the service to the Committee. ACTION

·       The Committee requested an opportunity to discuss the High Needs Block forecast report that was due to go to Cabinet on 2 October at the November meeting of the Committee. ACTION