Agenda item

The Committee considered a report and presentation of the Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable Children which outlined the approach and scope of a public consultation that was underway on proposals to help reduce spending pressures on the High Needs Block funding for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Inclusion Support (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable Children gave a presentation to members on the consultation which commenced on 17 July 2019 and ended on 17 October 2019. The presentation included:

·        An outline of current challenges

·        The consultation approach and proposals

·        The Consultation Plan

·        The next steps and recommendations

Councillor Jewell asked how many responses had been received and if this was monitored periodically. The member also asked what action was being taken to encourage people to engage in the process. The member was informed that 65 responses had been received when the consultation was initially launched, and following a refresh of figures the latest total had risen to 168. The service was promoting the consultation via social media and leafleting, and there were community events running until the end of the consultation period. The service was targeting community support groups, focus groups, School Governors and the Schools Forum. A short survey had been sent to all schools.

Councillor Brookes referred to the budget deficit and asked if there was any data in relation to forecasted demand, given that demand for the service was increasing.   The member was informed that core school funding was expected to increase so the financial position would be improved next year. In terms of the deficit the service had started to make savings and efficiencies, and costs were being reduced without impacting upon service delivery. The situation was monitored on a monthly basis and with improved forecasting this would assist in bringing the deficit into balance in the required 3 years.

Ms Evans stressed the importance of maintaining the trust developed with families which was brought about by changes in 2014 and which had improved the way the service was provided for the better. She hoped that this would not be affected.

Councillor Crute stated that he was concerned that the spending increase had been an announcement not a settlement, and asked if there had been any national lobbying of the Government. The member was informed that lobbying had been carried out by the County Council’s network, the Local Government Association, and Cabinet Member Councillor Gunn had written to the Government and met with the Children’s Minister. A National Audit Office Report had found shortcomings in the DfE response to financial pressures, much of which was based on resources for reforms. This would feed into the Comprehensive Spending Review. A link to the National Audit Office Report would be sent to members.    

Councillor Coult stressed that top-up funding was vital. The process was extremely stressful and it was important to streamline the system wherever possible. The member was assured that a key aim of the consultation was to work with local families, community groups and schools to shape how best the needs of children were met within the funding available.

Resolved:

That the contents of the report and the consultation proposals, be noted.