Lead Member for Children and Families
DECISIONS made by the Lead Member for Children and Families, Councillor Bob Bowdler on 14 December 2023 at Remote Meeting via Microsoft Teams
6. Decisions made by the Lead Cabinet Member on 21 June 2023
6.1 The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2023.
7. Disclosures of interests
7.1 There were none.
8. Urgent items
8.1 There were none.
9. Reports
9.1 A copy of the reports referred to below is included in the minute book.
10. Children's Supported Accommodation Approved List Mini Competitions
10.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services regarding six (6) mini-competitions to be run off the Children's Services Supported Accommodation Approved List.
DECISIONS
10.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to:
1) approve the Council carrying out six (6) mini-competitions to procure services from the Children’s Supported Accommodation Approved List; and
2) delegate authority to the application evaluation panel to assess the bids and determine the most economically advantageous tenders.
REASONS
10.3 Although developments are in train to reduce the overall number of children and young people coming into care, current data and trends suggest that there will continue to be a notable cohort of Care Leavers, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children and young homeless who will require high-intensive care and support, for longer periods of time, and which for some will endure into adulthood.
10.4 Awarding these block contracts will contribute to the delivery of the Council’s sufficiency needs for this cohort by securing a guaranteed minimum supply and greater stability of provision over a number of years at a reduced cost, rather than if the Council were to direct award equivalent individual placements.
11. East Sussex County Council (ESCC) Fostering Rates 2024-2025
11.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services regarding a revised payment structure and allowances for East Sussex County Council foster carers from 1 April 2024.
DECISIONS
11.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to approve the revised payment structure and allowances offer to foster carers subject to budget decisions for 2024/2025.
REASONS
11.3 This improved offer is essential to ensure sufficiency of in-house foster carers, to ensure that East Sussex County Council is compliant with the Department for Education guidance concerning payment of the National Minimum Allowance and to reduce reliance on high-cost agency residential care.