Issue - meetings

The Scrutiny Review on Child Poverty to be introduced  by the Chair of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel.

Report of the Director of Children’s Services. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools, and Families.

Cabinet to respond to the recommendations of the scrutiny review.

Cllr Gunes, Chair of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel, introduced the Scrutiny Review on Child Poverty, and thanked fellow Panel members and Co-opted members and all of those who participated in the review. It was noted that child poverty was increasing, both nationally and within Haringey. It was explained that the scrutiny panel had considered how child poverty could be addressed strategically within the Borough Plan which was currently being updated. It was stated that there were 11 recommendations from the review and noted that Cabinet had accepted 10 recommendations and partially accepted one recommendation. In relation to the partially accepted recommendation, Cllr Gunes stated that the scrutiny panel had felt strongly that Free Schools Meals (FSMs) should be made universal but thanked Cabinet for accepting the recommendations.

Cllr Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools, and Families, welcomed the report and noted that this was an increasingly important issue in the challenging economic situation. It was stated that the recommendations of the scrutiny panel were helpful and that Cabinet was recommended to accept all of the recommendations. The Cabinet Member was grateful that the Chair of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel recognised the caveat on the recommendation about universal Free School Meals. It was highlighted that the Council would want to provide universal Free School Meals but that, like most authorities, it was not financially possible. It was highlighted that the Council did have an extended Free School Meals programme in place which provided Free School Meals for an additional 500-600 children, including throughout school holidays. It was added that the Council supported the principle of universal Free School Meals and, alongside others, had lobbied national government on the issue.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the review and  recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) attached at Appendix A.

2.    To agree to the proposed response to each of the proposed recommendations, as set out in Appendix B.

3.    To note the letter to the secretary of State for Education attached at Appendix C.

Reasons for decision

On the 17th March 2022 the Overview and Scrutiny Committee approved the report and its recommendations and agreed that it be submitted to Cabinet for response.

Alternative options considered

The Cabinet is committed to considering and responding to Scrutiny reviews. No alternative options were considered.