Agenda item

Strategic Budget Savings - Pre decision scrutiny

Report by Executive Director of Children, Young People and Learning.

 

The Committee is invited to consider any strategic savings proposals relevant to its portfolio area and to examine how and when scrutiny of those proposals can best be achieved in light of plans and timelines indicated (reports to follow in early January). 

 

Minutes:

43.1     The Committee considered a report by Executive Director of Children, Young People and Learning, on the proposal to implement a National House Project (NHP) in West Sussex that was due for decision by Cabinet on 22 January 2021. 

 

43.2     The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Russell, told the committee that there was an identified need to provide a robust housing pathway for older looked after young people and care leavers.  The National House Project became a charity in 2018 and has help eleven local authorities set up local schemes in co-production with partners.

 

43.3     The Executive Director for Children, Young People and Learning, Mrs Butler, commended the tried and tested scheme to the Committee reporting that it had good outcomes for the young people involved by empowering them and giving them a much more settled early adult life.

 

43.4     Mrs Tanner, Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning, reported that initial conversations had taken place with some partners and there had been positive feedback.  The recent housing conference had shown there was great enthusiasm within West Sussex for this type of project.

 

43.5     The Committee as Corporate Parents welcomed and supported the proposals and reviewed the report.

 

43.6     Committee members questioned whether the timing of contract review would allow enough time for the procurement process.  Mrs Tanner explained that under the contract there would be constant review and evaluation of the effectiveness of the project.  The initial contract was for three years, with an opportunity after two years to extend the contract further or seek alternative procurement options. 

 

43.7     Committee members asked what help was available for young people to give them the best possible opportunities.  Mrs Tanner reported that the contract included a trauma project to support young people at every stage, including preparing them for transition to their own tenancies, ensuring they settle in, helping with any problems and assisting in any future changes to accommodation needed.

 

2.38pm Mrs Hill left the meeting

 

43.8     The Committee were reassured that the scheme involved young people in finding the right accommodation for them, whether it be on an individual basis or a property share.  The County Council does not have the expertise in-house to run such a scheme so becoming part of a larger, experienced arrangement was felt to be more beneficial.  Committee members asked if there were County Council properties that could be used or repurposed for young people to use.  Mrs Tanner agreed that they would look at all options available.

 

43.9     Committee members asked how the project would save the authority money and Mrs Tanner reported that it would help move young people of out expensive residential accommodation, to an arrangement suitable for them which would help build their independence skills. 

 

43.10  Resolved - That the Committee:

 

1.   Fully supports the implementation of a Local National House Project in West Sussex.

 

2.   Welcomes the enthusiasm and support from District and Borough partners.

 

3.   Welcomes the evidence that the enhanced support for care leavers provided by the project improves the quality of their lives, resilience and prospects.

 

4.   Given that the service will be constantly reviewing the project, suggests, that a report on the outcomes of the project for West Sussex care leavers is presented to the Corporate Parenting Panel on at least an annual basis. 

 

3.07pm Cllr Jones left the meeting.

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