Issue - meetings

(Report of the Director of Children’s Services & Director of Finance) To update Members on the financial planning process and to consider the pre business plan reviews for the following business units: Children and Families, School Standards and Inclusion, Community and Resources, Delivery and Performance and Business Support and Development.

The Executive Member for Children and Young People gave a brief introduction on the budget proposals for the Children’s Service. The issue of the missing figures for the Building Schools for the Future investment proposals was discussed, and it was commented that the Council had not received confirmation of the final figure but was working on a provisional figure of £130m. The issue of amalgamations was discussed, and it was commented that the this funding would be used to ensure single points of entry and a single larger staff room for amalgamated schools. It was commented that the investment proposal for catering would cover the kitchens used by the external catering companies. The issue of the Inclusive Learning Campus for Broadwater Farm was discussed, and it was commented that this would provide a path through education for local children up to 18 years of age.

The Committee raised the issue of New Revenue Investment Proposals 8, 9 and 14, and it was agreed that these should be under the New Capital Investment Proposals heading. The issue of Special Educational Needs transport costs was discussed, and it was commented the Council would work with special schools to deal with the issue together.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee approved the financial planning position set out in the report and the pre-business plan reviews covering Children and Families, School Standards and Inclusion, Community and Resources, Delivery & Performance and Business Support and Development business units. It was agreed that New Revenue Investment Proposals 8, 9 and 14 would be moved into the New Capital Investment Proposals section.