Issue - decisions

Members received a report which analysed performance by reference to the service plan, the budget and the performance indicators for all of the services funded through the Children’s Services budget.  It also created a timely opportunity to receive formal written feedback on the Joint Area Review (JAR) which was published on the 3 June 2008.

Paragraph 8 of the report set out achievements during 2007/8 and paragraph 9 highlighted the “outstanding” judgements received during the JAR.  Priorities for improvement, informed by both year end performance and the outcome of the JAR, were set out at paragraph 10.

The draft net outturn for 2007/08 was £27,558k, which, when compared to the current approved budget of £27,566k, represented a net underspend of £8k or 0.03%.  The underspend was split between the General Fund (+£419k) and the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant (-£427k).

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That the performance of services within the directorate funded through the Children’s Services budget be noted;

(ii)     That the draft revenue outturn for 2007/08 be approved and it be noted that the General Fund overspend would be funded from Council reserves;

(iii)    That the outcome of the Joint Area Review of services to children and young people be noted.

(iv)    That the Panels thanks be forwarded to all staff in Children’s Services for their performance throughout the year and on feedback from the Joint Area Review but especially to those staff dealing with looked after children and those safeguarding children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:In order to ensure appropriate performance management arrangements are in place across the department.