Agenda item

RESOLVED

1.         that the report be noted;

2.         that the committee supports action to ensure that funding for services to schools is not diverted or withdrawn;

3.         that the impact on parents and carers will be considered carefully when making any further transport budget cuts.

4.1       Pinaki Ghoshal, Executive Director Children & Young People’s Services introduced the report. He thanked Mala Dadlani, Strategic Business Partner (CYP) for providing much of the detailed information. With regards to financial stabilisation, there has been significant movement over the year, with a variety of actions that sought to bring the budget under control. It is pleasing that 90% of the required saving for this financial year has already been achieved or is on track to be achieved, with the expectation that all savings will be achieved. There are three high risk areas: placement costs (this will be covered in more detail in the next agenda item); the high needs block from the dedicated schools grant for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND); and the central services for schools budget highlighted at the end of the report. The first two high risk areas are known risks in most local authorities.

4.2       The following was noted in response to questions from the committee:

1.         In the past, Lewisham had a high number of appeals and tribunals regarding educational placements. Whilst detailed information was not available at the meeting, benchmarked against other authorities current figures are low. Parents have rights and as a local authority those rights to appeal are respected, even if it is costly.

2.         The ongoing government consultation on the national funding formula is likely to further squeeze Lewisham’s central services to schools block funding. Every local authority is affected differently, based on historic decisions made. Once the consultation is completed and government decisions are made, officers will identify the level of cuts that will be needed and then consult with local schools about priorities. Lewisham is likely to be significantly affected, including because there are fewer academies. It may also be the case that funding will move away from London schools.

3.         The transport costs presented in the report indicate that significant savings compared to the previous year will have to be achieved. The differential is partly explained by the overspend last year due to the pandemic as children and young people could not share travel. The focus now is on promoting independence and travel training and bringing together children and adult provision. There is therefore a mix of savings and investment.

4.         The meeting was reminded that councillors often hear about the impact on carers and parents who have to take children and young people with SEND to different schools than their siblings, and that this can put enormous stress on families. Safety is an additional consideration as fewer children on buses often means more cars at school gates. The meeting was reassured that more children than ever are entitled to travel assistance via school buses and other arrangements. There is a clear commitment to work with parents, but also that resources need to be maximised.

5.         The Chair will arrange a meeting with Pinaki Ghoshal to discuss funding concerns around mental health for children and young people in response to media coverage. ACTION: Chair

RESOLVED

1.         that the report be noted;

2.         that the committee supports action to ensure that funding for services to schools is not diverted or withdrawn;

3.         that the impact on parents and carers will be considered carefully when making any further transport budget cuts.