Issue - meetings

To consider and approve adoption of the West Sussex Families Strategic Plan.

RESOLVED

(1)  That the adoption of the draft West Sussex Families Strategic Plan be agreed in principle.

(2)  That the Head of Community Services be authorised, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Services, to formally adopt the plan, subject to changes as the plan is further consulted on and developed that do not have significant resource or other implications.

(3)  That Mrs Lintill, as Cabinet Member for Community Services, be nominated for appointment as one of the district councils’ representatives on the Start of Life Partnership Board.

The Cabinet considered the report circulated with the agenda (copy attached to the official minutes).

Mrs Lintill introduced the report, drawing attention particularly to paragraphs 3.1-3.3, 4.3 and 5.1.

In answer to questions, Mrs Bushby (Community Interventions Manager) confirmed that all borough and district councils in West Sussex had been asked by West Sussex County Council to confirm agreement in principle to the West Sussex Partnership Families Strategic Plan.

Mr Finch criticised the wording of the draft Plan. Whilst supporting the need for collaboration, he was concerned about overlap and governance arrangements possibly increasing bureaucracy in a way that would be counter-productive.

Mr Over explained that demands on services were expected to increase but resources would not. He acknowledged that processes needed further attention and that outcome measures needed firming up.

Cabinet members agreed on the benefits of early intervention and the need for inter-authority co-ordination. However, they did feel that the wording of the Plan could be improved.

Mrs Bushby agreed to report members’ views to the West Sussex Start of Life Partnership Board.

The Cabinet noted an invitation from the Chairman of the Partnership Board for two elected members from across the County to represent District and Borough Councils, in addition to the current officer representation.  These representatives should come from different authorities and if possible from the north and south of the county.

RESOLVED

(1)  That the adoption of the draft West Sussex Families Strategic Plan be agreed in principle.

(2)  That the Head of Community Services be authorised, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Services, to formally adopt the plan, subject to changes as the plan is further consulted on and developed that do not have significant resource or other implications.

(3)  That Mrs Lintill, as Cabinet Member for Community Services, be nominated for appointment as one of the district councils’ representatives on the Start of Life Partnership Board.