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RESOLVED that the information in the report be noted and visits to schools be arranged in 2021 (if local Covid restrictions permit) for Committee members to talk directly to schools about how they are responding to the 3 year race equality action plan for schools.

RESOLVED that the following declared interests be noted:

1.    Cllr Luke Sorba is Lewisham Council’s appointee on the Council of Governors of the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Trust (relevant to Item 5 – CAMHS update)

2.    Councillor Liz Johnston-Franklin is the Lewisham Council Representative on the Board of Youth First (relevant to Item 4 – Budget Cuts)

3.    Councillor Jacq Paschoud is a Trustee of the short breaks provider previously known as the Ravensbourne Project. (relevant to Item 4 – Budget cuts)

4.    Councillor John Paschoud, spouse of Councillor Jacq Paschoud, declared his spouse’s interests as he is required to do under the constitution.

RESOLVED that the information in the report and points raised in discussion be noted.

RESOLVED that

1.    The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and School Performance would explore the concerns raised by the Committee and email a response. The concerns were:

a)    Paragraph 5.6 of the response appeared to show a marked decrease but in fact the last figure reported represented a significantly shorter reporting period than previous figures.

b)    The response did not adequately address the Committee’s concerns.

2.    The CYP Select Committee would keep under review IT performance insofar as it affects the work of the Children and Young People’s Directorate.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held on 21 September 2020 be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings.

RESOLVED that the following referral be made to Mayor and Cabinet:

The Children and Young People Select Committee requests that the following information be included in all upcoming the Budget Cuts reports:

1.    The impact of a proposed cut on the users of a service

2.    The impact of a proposed cut on the staff of a service

3.    The impact of the proposed cut on the service overall

4.    The cumulative impact of the cut on the London Borough of Lewisham as a whole.

RESOLVED that consideration of the Mayor and Cabinet response to the referral “How Living in Temporary Accommodation Affects Children and Young People” be postponed to March 20201 to allow it to be considered alongside the scheduled 6 month update.

Resolved: the committee agreed to refer its views to the Public Accounts Select Committee.

Resolved: the committee agreed to include another item to the January agenda to consider further budget cuts proposals.

Resolved: the committee noted the Mayor and Cabinet response to its referral on overcrowding.

Resolved: the minutes of the last meeting were agreed as an accurate record.

Resolved – that the Committee would refer its views to Mayor and Cabinet (via the Public Accounts Select Committee) as follows -

The Committee notes the scale of the challenge facing the Council and it recognises the difficulties facing officers in proposing these cuts. Committee members wish to emphasise the severe and continued reduction in funding from central government over more than ten years of austerity – which has led to a reduction in spending on services of £500 per Lewisham resident. Members believe that further work should be carried out to communicate the reasons for the cuts to residents.

Members are concerned about the impact on the lives of staff who might be made redundant as a result of cuts and reorganisations. The Committee believes that, where possible, options should be considered for job sharing and flexible working between staff - rather than the deletion of full time posts.

In relation to proposals F15 (environmental operations review) and F16 (new waste strategy) - the Committee supports the move to increase place based environmental services and the joined up management of areas. The Committee also believes that further work should be carried out on a proactive and informative ‘keep Lewisham tidy’ campaign, which emphasises everyone’s responsibility to keep Lewisham’s streets clean.

In relation to proposal F18 (controlled parking zone extension) the Committee believes that any proposed changes should be carried out with the utmost sensitivity and care – in full consultation with Lewisham’s communities. Members also emphasise the importance of strategically and carefully integrating the timing of any changes with plans to improve Lewisham’s walking and cycling routes.

Resolved: that the report be noted – and that the Committee would discuss the work programme for its January meeting at a later date.

Resolved: that the responses from Mayor and Cabinet be noted.

          Resolved: that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September be agreed as an accurate record.