Agenda and minutes

In accordance with Minute No. 69 of the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services meeting on 4^th November, 2009, Paul Grimwood, Youth Offending Services Manager, presented a report, for information, on the implications of a recent (May, 2009) Law Lords judgement (G vs Southwark), which considered how local authorities support homeless 16 and 17 year olds.

The legal case tested the circumstances in which local authorities should provide accommodation for this age group and the legislation that should apply. The judgement concluded that the duties of local authorities to accommodate children in need could not be circumvented by referring the young person to the housing authority. The case has profound implications for local authority children’s services.

The report also referred to the position of unaccompanied asylum seeking young people, including support arrangements, accommodation support, support in relation to their status as looked after children and financial arrangements, as informed by a 2003 High Court judgement, (R v London Borough of Hillingdon and the Secretary of State for Education and Skills).  The report and this issue in particular was to be considered at the next meeting of the New Arrivals Working Party.

Discussion took place on the huge financial implications the judgement would have on the Council, particularly the Children and Young People’s Service who would be responsible for the young people until the age of 21.

It was noted that work was taking place and hoped that a further report would be submitted to the 2 respective Cabinet Members.

Resolved:-  That a further report be submitted as soon as possible.

Consideration was given to a report presented by Mike Shaw, Finance Manager, which detailed the income, expenditure and net position for the Neighbourhoods Department within the Neighbourhoods and Adult Services Directorate compared to the profiled budgets for the period ending 31^st September, 2009.  It also included the projected year end outturn position which currently showed a forecasted overspend of £814,000 (13.5%) by the end of March, 2010, prior to any management actions which may be implemented following the current review of the Independent Support Service.

The following key pressures were highlighted:-

Independent Support Service (Wardens)                              £672,000 overspend

Safer Neighbourhoods                                                           £139,000 overspend

Business Regulation                                                                 £5,000 underspend

Neighbourhood Partnerships                                                   £31,000 overspend

Housing Access                                                                       £21,000 overspend

Housing Choices                                                                          Balanced forecast

Neighbourhood Investments                                                       £1,000 overspend

It was also noted that to date, Neighbourhoods had spent £20,181 on agency staff.

Discussion ensued with the following issues raised:-

-              Vacancy management

-              Warden Service

-              Ringfenced Government funding

-              Housing Revenue Account

Resolved:- (1)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(2)  That monthly Housing Revenue Accounts be submitted in future.