To note the progress in setting-up the local model, and how future accountabilities may be properly discharged, subject to the approval of the Grants Determination Sub-Committee.

Terry Parkin on behalf of Children’s Services Directorate presented the report which updated the Sub Committee on progress toward the establishment of an education partnership in the Borough.  This body would provide a means of securing high quality educational outcomes for children in the context of reducing Government funding.

The Chair invited comments from Elected Members.  The Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee (GSSC) comments relating to potential job losses and frequency of Board meetings were noted.  Councillor Saunders indicated that she supported the scheme in principle but there were some concerns around sufficiency of funding on a per child basis and the framework in terms of resilience and equivalence to current provisions.

DECISION

1.            That the progress in setting up the local model be noted.

2.            The proposed framework for the discharge of future accountabilities be approved