Purpose

• Cabinet received a report in October
2024 in respect of the developing and increasing adverse financial
position in Children’s Social Care.
• Cabinet received a further report in January 2025 providing
an update position and outlining a medium to longer term service
transformation / transition plan.
• Upon receiving the report in January 2025, Cabinet agreed to
support the funding for a transition plan to manage demand and
associated spend.
• Since the report presented in January, the number of
Children Looked After has reduced.
• Since the report presented in January 2025 the confirmed
overspend position for 2024/25 reduced.
• An Accelerated Improvement Group (AIG) was established and
continues to operate.
• Children’s Services (Social Care) has been
restructured to support more focussed care planning and
de-escalation of need.
• The broader Children’s Services system is being
reviewed to ensure a “road map” in line with the Marmot
principles and longer-term vision of the Council.

Content

          
Cabinet agreed to:
·        
Acknowledge the work that had been carried out
and continues to be carried out within the service, and via the
auspices of AIG, to achieve a reduction of demand and financial
recovery in the short, medium and long term.
·        
Accept further update reports outlining ongoing
work and impact relating to longer term demand management and the
development of the transition planning.
 
 
REASON FOR
DECISION: As set out in the
report.

CONSULTATION:
As set out in the report.

MEMBERS’
INTERESTS: None