Agenda item

This report focuses on the engagement process and proposals for Children’s Services as part of the Rewiring of Public Services programme and makes recommendations in relation to the Services.

Resolved: That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note that extensive engagement has taken place as agreed by Cabinet in July and the priorities that residents have expressed;

(ii)          Approve the 3 Children’s Services business cases, as outlined in the report and Annexes.

(iii)        Agree that a further update on the organisational development plan be brought to Cabinet in November as part of our commitment to report regular progress.

(iv)        Examine any alternative proposals from staff to deliver Castlegate services that meet the timescales and savings targets outlined in the report.

Reasons:     (i)      The phased approach will allow Children’s Centres to become more sustainable, develop community capacity and support the long term vision for Whole Family Support;

(ii)      The approach for Phase 2 of the transformation of Services to Young people will allow for the savings target to be achieved;

(v)         Support the closure of Castlegate and the re-provision of services from West Offices will build a sustainable model which has the flexibility to respond to schools needs.

Consideration was given to a report submitted, as part of the Rewiring of Public Services programme, which focused on the engagement process and proposals for Children’s Services. Business Cases for each of the following services were included in the report:

·        Annex 1 - Early Years

·        Annex 2 - Services to Young People and

·        Annex 3 - Schools Improvement and Skills service.

It was confirmed that the business cases had been designed in response to views obtained through engagement with residents and that whilst a range of services would remain ‘in-house’, others would be contracted to the private sector.

In particular it was noted from feedback regarding the Early Years Service that parents wished to maintain the Children’s Centre buildings and that work was ongoing to maintain the current provision. In relation to services to young people it was proposed to relocate Castlegate based services to West Offices to provide an enhanced service for post 16 young people’s services. Further engagement sessions would be taking place throughout October with staff in order to work together to deliver an improved service for all.

The Cabinet Member referred to the governments austerity programme and to the unprecedented reductions in public expenditure which meant that changes in services were inevitable. He reported on the extensive consultation undertaken with both service users and residents pointing out that residents would be at the heart of the way in which the Council delivered future services. He acknowledged the comments of early speakers and to a survey undertaken which had shown that 70% of Castlegate users had confirmed that they had no problems with accessing services at West Offices. However he acknowledged that adaptations would have to be made to ensure that a good quality service could be provided that would function for both the service and young people.

Members confirmed that if savings had not had to be made these services would have remained however with budget cuts work was required to examine how the services were provided and look at alternative arrangements to ensure that services continued albeit in a different form. They acknowledged that staff had provided an excellent service in a variety of locations across the city and that they wished to retain this expertise.

Officers reiterated that significant additional consultation would be undertaken prior to the implementation of any proposals both with services users and staff.

The Chair also confirmed that extensive consultation would take place to ensure that services were provided that all people could access. He also confirmed that any staff suggestions for the service that came forward would be thoroughly examined.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved: That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note that extensive engagement has taken place as agreed by Cabinet in July and the priorities that residents have expressed;

(ii)          Approve the 3 Children’s Services business cases, as outlined in the report and Annexes.

(iii)        Agree that a further update on the organisational development plan be brought to Cabinet in November as part of our commitment to report regular progress.

(iv)        Examine any alternative proposals from staff to deliver Castlegate services that meet the timescales and savings targets outlined in the report. ^1.

Reasons:     (i)      The phased approach will allow Children’s Centres to become more sustainable, develop community capacity and support the long term vision for Whole Family Support;

(ii)      The approach for Phase 2 of the transformation of Services to Young people will allow for the savings target to be achieved;

(v)         Support the closure of Castlegate and the re-provision of services from West Offices will build a sustainable model which has the flexibility to respond to schools needs.