Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ryan Brent. 

There were no pecuniary interests declared. However, Councillor Wood wished to place on record that his son-in-law works for the Harbour School, and his daughter works for Motiv8.  He also wished to record that he is a local authority governor at Charter Academy, Ark Ayrton Primary Academy and Ark Dickens Primary Academy.

Purpose

To inform the Cabinet Member of the projected revenue expenditure within the portfolio cash limit and capital programme for the current financial year 2018-19.  This report sets out the budget position and contributing factors to the projected year-end overspend within the portfolio as at the end of June 2018. 

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member:

(1)  Notes the Children and Families Portfolio forecast budget position, at the end of June 2018, of £5.1m in excess of current approved cash limit provision.

(2)  Supports the ongoing process of budget review and implementation of proposals to reduce the projected overspend position and move towards the delivery of a balanced budget within the area of Children's Social Care. 

(3)  Notes the position in respect of the approved capital schemes for the portfolio. 

(TAKE IN REPORT)

The report was introduced by Beverley Pennekett, Finance Manager. 

Councillor Wood said that it was worth noting the overall budget was set prior to him taking on this post and he would be looking to better align the budget.  He added that he recognised the work of the Children's Social Care team to vet the placements and felt that some work in the early intervention areas would help.  

In response to a question from the Cabinet member, Alison Jeffery, Director for Children, Families and Education said that the position of every child is monitored very closely and the local authority would not want any child to remain in a secure placement longer than necessary.  The numbers of children in secure placements was very low and their needs can change.  These children have very complex needs and the authority will only make placements when necessary and monitor this very carefully on a weekly basis. 

With regard to the capital spend side and the new case management software, Mrs Jeffery said that she was confident this will lead to improvements and social workers will find it easier to use as it is much more user friendly.  In addition the new software will allow the authority to store early help records which is an advantage.  She added that the council had no choice but to replace the system as the current providers are withdrawing their software.  The new system was chosen following procurement advice and user testing. 

DECISIONS: The Cabinet Member

(1)  Noted the Children and Families Portfolio forecast budget position, at the end of June 2018, of £5.1m in excess of current approved cash limit provision.

(2)  Supported the ongoing process of budget review and implementation of proposals to reduce the projected overspend position and move towards the delivery of a balanced budget within the area of Children's Social Care.

(3)  Noted the position in respect of the approved capital schemes for the portfolio.