Agenda and draft minutes

None.

None.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed

Officers introduced the Budget & Spending report, which covered the 2024/25 outturn position and the 2025/26 month 4 position.

In the previous year, services in this Committee’s remit had experienced an overspend of £2.5 million, primarily due to increased costs in children’s care placements and pressures on Section 17 budgets, often related to accommodation.

Some anticipated savings, particularly those linked to the fostering offer, had been delayed due to the time required to recruit and assess new foster carers. These savings had been carried forward into the current year.

Other savings, especially those reliant on income generation from services such as the music service and adult learning, had not been achieved and had been written off.

For the current year, at month four, similar pressures persisted. There had been no significant increase in the number of children entering care, but a notable rise in the cost of care placements. On the Council’s residential project, part of the Care Offer savings plan, a further twelve beds were expected to be registered soon. This expansion was anticipated to bring the savings plan back on track.

Officers noted that while some savings were rated as ‘amber’, many were on track and would likely move to ‘green’ in month 5. The main risk identified related to the Charville residential site and the Care Offer, which depended on timely registration and occupancy of new beds.

Members queried the impact of savings plans on the quality of early years and music services. Officers responded that work was ongoing, with a focus on wraparound and sufficiency. The music service review had shown that pressures were due to overestimated income rather than overspending. There was a new Head of Music, and efforts were underway to modernise the offer.

Members commended the tables in the report as very informative, and asked about the sustainability of using capital receipts to offset overspends. Officers explained that transformation capital had been used for several years to support major programmes, such as the expansion of care provision, and that this approach was in line with government policy, with Government confirming this policy as a funding mechanism for transformation activities for the next five years. Officers reassured the Committee that the Council’s asset base continued to grow despite disposals. Officers also commended the education team for reducing the in-year DSG deficit.

Members raised concerns about overspending on accommodation, particularly in relation to temporary accommodation pressures. Officers clarified that there was a distinction between accommodation for care leavers and temporary accommodation for families, noting improvements in sufficiency for care leavers and ongoing work to address pressures in both areas. Officers also highlighted the Staying Close project for care leavers. There had been a reduction in the number of young people in semi-independent accommodation.

Members asked about plans to address the DSG cumulative deficit, which stood at £65.6 million. Officers acknowledged the challenge, noting that while the in-year deficit had reduced, the long-term recovery plan depended on upcoming SEND reforms and continued lobbying of government. The Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

The Committee considered the scoping report for the review into fostering.

Officers noted that now was the right time to conduct this review and that it would align closely with the broader Care Offer, the continuum of care, and the recruitment of more foster carers.

Interest in fostering had significantly increased since the launch of the new offer with an increase in applications from prospective carers. 14 new fostering households had been recruited since the launch with a further 14 families at various stages of the assessment process. It was clarified that not all applicants would be approved as there was a robust process designed to ensure suitability. Officers further advised that while some foster carers were retiring or resigning, the net increase was positive.

There had been a recent ceremony celebrating foster carers, including recognition of long-serving carers and new recruits, illustrating the breadth of experience within the service.

Investing in foster carers was essential for driving change and improving outcomes for children and young people. The review could generate recommendations to Cabinet to further enhance recruitment, the benefits of fostering, and recognition of the role foster carers have for young people.

Officers noted that, despite positive developments, challenges remained including fostering breakdowns and an ongoing shortage of foster carers. The Committee’s scrutiny was welcomed, not only for the successes but also on areas needing further improvement. Officers also welcomed the proposed Terms of Reference for focusing on young peoples’ experiences and placement stability, as well as the experiences of foster carers.

Members also stressed the importance of hearing directly from young people, suggesting a private witness session to allow them to share their experiences freely.

Members further suggested receiving briefings on training and safeguarding, particularly “PACE” training undertaken by foster carers, to better understand how carers were equipped to keep young people safe.

Members also suggested hearing from carers involved in the “mockingbird constellation” to gather their views and identify areas for improvement.

Members referenced the relatively short timeframe for the review, noting witness sessions in November and December, and conclusions to be drawn in January. Members also raised the possibility of an additional witness session, and queried if the ‘early ideas to consider’ were already being done. Officers responded that, while the Council can evidence increased recruitment and an improved offer, the value of the review would lie in determining whether further improvements can be made, particularly regarding the quality of care and young peoples’ experiences. This could help to narrow the review’s focus.

Officers welcomed the Committee’s ‘critical friend’ role, and its review of existing practices would also be useful.

Members raised the possibility of learning from neighbouring authorities and statistical neighbours. Officers noted that most authorities had been following similar approaches, and Hillingdon’s new strategy represented a departure from established practice, and so there would be limited benefit to this.

Members also suggested broadening the search for best practise to include international case studies, though officers noted that differences in legal frameworks limited the applicability  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the minutes

Members highlighted the item entitled “Pathways for Young People” and asked for more information on what this may include, referencing an overspend on accommodation.

Members also highlighted the item entitled “Determination of relevant area for admissions arrangements” and asked if this was due to be done via planning areas.

Officers would investigate these and report back to Members.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the Forward Plan

Members noted that one of the suggested topics for a review was spare capacity in schools, and asked about an information item on this.

Members also asked for an update on Co-opted Member vacancies on the Committee, and if these could be filled for the next administrative year.

Officers would investigate these and report back to Members.

RESOLVED: That the Committee considered the report