The Mayor received the call-in report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of the Cabinet Decision taken on Wednesday 26 September 2018.

Following consideration of the report he reaffirmed his original decision.

Councillor Abdal Ullah, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), presented the Committee’s reference back to the Mayor on his decision taken at Cabinet on Wednesday 26 September 2018. He highlighted the Committee’s key concerns as referenced in the report including;

·         Whether the decision was within the budget and policy framework

·         Concerns over transitions for vulnerable children,

·         The scope of the consultation process

·         Whether all alternative options had been considered.

The Mayor, considered the points raised. He referenced the letter sent to Members by the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer about the Budget and Policy Framework. He explained that, although this was a difficult decision he considered the best course of action available and he reaffirmed his original decision.

DECISION

1.    Note the outcome of the consultation.

2.    Approve implementation of the proposal for a phased closure of the LADNs.

3.    Note the intention to hold an Early Years Summit to inform and develop the role of the Council in promoting sustainable, accessible and affordable childcare.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES)

(Divisional Director, Education and Partnerships (C. McInnes)

Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, introduced the report. He highlighted that the issue had been under discussion for a number of years. He took Members through the reasons for the decision and the results of the recent, extensive, consultation exercise. He highlighted the financial challenges facing the authority and how the report set out alternative options for providing services to young children through other locations and service providers. He stated that there were no easy decisions but that given the challenges the Council faced the report recommended the best available course of action.

Cabinet then heard from parents of children attending the nursery. Members heard a number of concerns raised including:

·         That the current nursery provision provided excellent support for children’s with additional support needs such as those with autism.

·         Integrated support was available from an earlier age than with other services.

·         The nurseries were not being run at capacity.

·         Concerns over the consultation’s reach to all communities.

·         Many other providers were term-time only and many also charged significantly more than the local authority nurseries.

Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group also addressed the meeting. He agreed that change was necessary but questioned the costs set out and whether all alternative options had been looking into.

Councillor Danny Hassell took the meeting through the points raised in particular setting out other services that were available and where the Council were exploring further options such as on holiday period support. Cabinet also specifically looked at the issue of supporting vulnerable children.

The Mayor noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and responses presented. He thanked everyone for the contributions and acknowledged that this was a difficult decision and it was important to be aware of the national situation and the budget pressures being placed on the Council. He therefore reluctantly agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the outcome of the consultation.

2.    To approve implementation of the proposal for a phased closure of the LADNs.

3.    To note the intention to hold an Early Years Summit to inform and develop the role of the Council in promoting sustainable, accessible and affordable childcare.

Note – at the end of this item the meeting was adjourned for three minutes (19:19 to 19:22) to allow members of the public to leave the meeting should they wish.