To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest (if any) from Members/Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Members Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 01 September 2008 (including whipping declarations).

None

To receive for approval the minutes of the Children and Young People Overview and

Scrutiny Committee of 13 October 2016

RESOLVED:                That the Minutes of the meeting of Children and     Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 13 October 2016 be approved as a true and accurate record.

Cllr Green explained that she contacted the office to send apologies before the 13^th October 20016 meeting but was unable to get a response because of a fire alarm.

The Corporate Director – Operational and Partnership Services submitted a report, the purpose of which was to present the items due to be considered at the Committee meeting scheduled to be held on 2 February 2017.

The Committee suggested that when the Health Review was considered, a representative from Health Matters should be invited to the meeting.

The Committee referred to a recent investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales where maladministration was found. The complaint related to failings in how a looked after child’s savings were monitored and scrutinised by the Council. Members were concerned about the issues raised and wanted to ensure that the same mistakes were not repeated. Members requested an additional meeting to consider this matter.

RESOLVED:                1) That Members noted the topics due to be considered at the next Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

2) That an additional meeting be arranged to   consider the recent investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

INVITEES:

D McMillan – Corporate Director – Education and Family Support

Councillor CE Smith – Cabinet Member – Education and Regeneration

S Cooper – Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing

Councillor PJ White – Cabinet Member – Social Services and Early Help

N Echanis –  Head of Education and Family Support

L Kinsey – Head of Children’s Social Care

The Committee considered a report on the draft Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017-18 to 2020-21 which set out the spending priorities of the Council. Key investment objectives and budget areas targeted for necessary savings. The strategy included a financial forecast for 2017-21 and a detailed draft revenue budget for 2017-18.

The Committee welcomed the Head of Education and Family Support and the Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration to the meeting.

The Committee raised the issue of the proposed increase of 10p for school meals. This could be an issue particularly for families with more than one child. One member had received complaints from a parent focal group   

regarding the quantity and quality of food, children being hungry and teachers purchasing sandwiches for children from their own money rather than letting them remian hungry. Members asked if there was a reduction in the number of children taking school meals following an increase in price. The Head of Education and Family Support explained that BCBC were just above average when it came to the price of school meals and that typically an increase in price would result in a reduction in the number of meals taken. She agreed to investigate the concerns raised as this was not the usual experience and this was an award winning service.   

Concerns were also raised about “surreptitious” extras such as responsibility for paying for broadband and CRB checks which now fell to the schools and were an extra pressure on an already reduced budget.  

The Head of Education and Family Support explained that difficult decisions had been taken and costs for various services had to be absorbed by the schools.

The Committee asked if the 1% cut was being made by top slicing the budget.  The Head of Education and Family Support explained that that was correct and this year there would be an allowance for inflation so there would be a net increase to the budget. Pay increases to staff would have to be absorbed by the schools.  Concerns were raised that in the primary sector, the budget for many schools consisted of 98% salary costs and the impact of the cuts on student ratios. The Head of Education and Family Support explained that smaller schools were likely to suffer more than others however it had been modelled in such a way that schools should not have to lose any staff but if it continued there would be an impact moving forward. Members were concerned that many schools operated a one form entry system and the loss of a member of staff could create a serious problem.

Members stated that in previous years non-statutory nursery provision had been discussed but it was not included for discussion this year.  

N Clode, Vice Chair of the School Budget Forum explained that of the 22 local authorities in Wales, Bridgend were 21^st when it came to the level of funding. In order to stand still, there had to be no further cuts and the authority had to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 247.

RESOLVED                             That Councillors Foley and Farr and Rev  Canon Edwards be nominated onto the Collaborative Scrutiny Committee with Cllr Westwood as a reserve.

RESOLVED                             1) That the Committee recommends to Council the appointment of Mr Tim Thomas as the Primary School Parent Governor Representative to the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, for a term of four years.

That further information be provided on how nominations for the position are sought.

To consider any item(s) of business in respect of which notice has been given in

accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules and which the person presiding at the meeting is of the opinion should by reason of special circumstances be transacted at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None