Agenda and minutes

6.1       The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2023.

Disclosure by all Members present of personal interests in matters on the Agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the Member regards the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct

7.1       There were none.

Notification of items which the Lead Members consider to be urgent and propose to take at the end of the appropriate part of the Agenda

8.1       There were none.

9.1       A copy of the reports referred to below is included in the minute book.

Report by the Director of Children's Services.

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.

Report by the Director of Children's Services.

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.