Agenda and decisions

None received.

To receive notification of any declarations of pecuniary and /or conflict of interests from Members.

None received.

To answer questions and hear deputations, if any, asked by any resident of the Borough pursuant to Standing Orders.

None received.

To seek approval for changes to Solihull MBC policy for financial support to care leavers.

(i)  The Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills noted:

(a)  The new statutory duties on the Local Authority under the Children’s Social Work Act 2017 came into effect on the 1st April 2018;

(b)  The Local Authority is required to publish a Local Offer for Care Leavers and to promote the and services provided to ensure care leavers have a clear understanding in how we assist them in the move to adulthood and independent living;

(c)  The funding for Personal Advisor support for Care Leavers under the extended duties is given by the Department for Education;

(d)  The Local Authority is working on a number of other options to increase support to our Care Leavers through better access to existing services at no additional cost to SMBC. 

(e)  Supporting all of the proposed changes and other work being undertaken, the Local Authority is working on a strategy to promote the services available to all young carer leavers up to the eve of their 25^th Birthday.

(ii)  The Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills approved the recommended changes as set out in Appendix 1 to the report with effect from Monday 10^th December 2018 to:

(a)  Increase Staying Put payments;

(b)  Increase vacation accommodation support for Care Leavers at university;

(c)  Increase Personal Allowance;

(d)  Increase support to young people who are waiting for agreed benefits to be paid;

(e)  Implement a new offer for 16 and 17 year olds Clothing Allowance;

(f)  Providing funding for University Graduation;

(g)  Ensure laptops are provided for all 16 and 17 year olds;

(h)  Provide a goodbye meal for all young people on their last meeting with their Personal Advisor;

(i)  Provide new minimal funding support for all 21 to 25 year olds

(j)  Change the officer approvals for further and higher education support to 21 to 25 year olds.

(iii)  The Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills requested a progress report in 12 months time.

To inform the Cabinet Member of the Portfolio’s latest forecast financial position as at the 30^th September 2018.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills:

(i)  Noted the current financial position for the Portfolio; and

(ii)  Noted the current actions being taken to address the budget position which included monthly reviews being undertaken.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills approved the nomination of Local Authority Governors as detailed in Appendix A to the report namely:

Mr Andrew Spindlow – St John the Baptist

Mr Anthony Watson – Coleshill Heath

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz – St George and St Teresa

The Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills agreed to defer this item at the request of St Alphege.