Agenda item

Officers introduced the annual performance report, noting that it was now presented in a new, clearer format. The report provided benchmarking for 2024-25. Officers advised that a bi-annual update would follow soon to ensure data remained current. The report highlighted areas of strong performance, cost-effectiveness, pressure points, and areas for improvement, particularly in placement sufficiency and demand management.

Members commended the presentation of the report, noting it as clear, concise and easy to read.

Members queried the reasons behind the increase in the number of children on child protection plans, which had risen to 240. Officers explained that this reflected both increased demand and complexity within families, as well as fluctuations due to family size. The number of child protection plans had remained relatively stable over the year, with no unusual demographic changes. Officers also noted that while the number of child protection investigations was high, work was ongoing to ensure appropriate intervention levels and to avoid unnecessary intrusion into family life.

Members noted social worker vacancy rates and recruitment challenges, highlighting that this was a national issue. Officers reported that the situation had improved over the past year, with a reduction in vacancies due to successful recruitment and retention initiatives including the London Pledge, improved internal conditions, and enhanced training and support. The Council had also benefited from apprenticeship programmes and a focus on developing newly qualified staff. Officers emphasised the importance of workplace culture and support in retaining staff, given that pay rates were broadly similar across London.

Members asked about the robustness and accuracy of the data underpinning the report. Officers advised that significant progress had been made in data quality, with high levels of confidence in the figures presented. Dashboards were regularly reviewed, and any anomalies were quickly identified and addressed. Officers acknowledged that occasional data entry errors could occur but stated that overall confidence was much higher than in previous years.

Members referenced the Council’s performance in reducing the number of young people classified as NEET, particularly in comparison to neighbouring boroughs. Hillingdon had implemented a team of NEET trackers, resulting in a significantly lower proportion of “not known” cases compared to the London average. The Council was focusing on early intervention, vocational options, and supporting young people before they left secondary school.

The Committee noted that while the Council had succeeded in reducing first-time entrants to the youth justice system, there was some concern that the reoffending rate among those already in the system remained high. Officers acknowledged this, though explained that the small cohort size skewed the percentages, and that the actual number of offences was low. The Council had undertaken detailed analysis with the Youth Justice Partnership Board and had implemented early intervention and diversion initiatives at police stations to address reoffending.

Members commended the take-up of early years free childcare places and noted the benefits for families.

Members asked about the underperformance in the completion rate of EHCPs within the 20-week target, and the associated costs of delays, including compensation and tribunal cases. Officers responded that most tribunal challenges related to parental preference for schools rather than delays in plan completion. The Council had focused on mediation to reduce tribunal cases and had improved its 20-week completion rate, now performing better than the national average. Additional staff had been allocated to assessments, and ongoing improvements were being made as part of the improvement plan.

Members asked how financial pressures were affecting the delivery of new local government outcomes and priorities, including health and wellbeing. Officers stated that, while this was primarily a matter for other committees, financial constraints had not prevented the Council from delivering required services. Instead, they had encouraged more innovative and collaborative approaches with partners and better use of local assets. The impact of future funding settlements and reforms were awaited.

Members noted two areas of concern – placement sufficiency and reoffending within the Youth Justice service.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1. Noted the Annual Performance Report for 2024/25, as attached in Appendix 1; and

2. Delegated comments for inclusion in the Annual Performance Report to Full Council, to the Democratic Services Officer in conjunction with the Chair and in consultation with the Opposition Lead