Cabinet considered the report that sought approval in principle for the preferred early help model of integrated Family Hubs.

The Deputy Chairman of Cabinet, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Health and Mental Health informed Cabinet that this was the same decision brought to Cabinet in April 2020 and returns following the ‘call in’ and accepted comments.  The item had always been on the forward plan for Cabinet to consider.  It was reiterated that this was a decision for the principle of an integrated family hub model and not the closure of centres.  Section 3 of the report was mentioned as it contained the O&S Panel’s recommendations which were read out as follows:

1. It be noted that the Head of Law had reviewed the Cabinet’s decision made on April 30th, what had been said at the Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting on May 14th, and the reasons for the call in, and had concluded that the decision complied with the law and did not conflict with the Council’s Access For All policy;

2. The Cabinet paper of April 30th will be brought back to Cabinet in June setting out a consultative pathway;

3. The results of a further consultation process and recommendations for a decision will be brought to the Cabinet in July or August.  

It was agreed at Cabinet on 28 May 2020 that the report be brought back to this Cabinet meeting.

The Lead Member for Housing, Communications and Youth Engagement reported that members had looked into the report in detail and that it was important part of our transformation work.  He reiterated his desire for the community to come forward for the use of any buildings that may become available and the delivery of universal services delivery with our partners. 

The Director of Children’s Services said that the report had been re worked to provide clarity that was lacking in the original report regarding consultation and how to take this forward.  They had looked for advice on undertaking consultation during C-19 but this was not something the organisations had experienced so they looked at best practice to bring ideas forward.  The proposed consultation was longer than that proposed by O&S.

The Lead Member thanked O&S for reviewing the revised report, passing comments and agreeing with the contents.

Mr Bermange said that as the speaking rights for the public were stronger than those of non-Cabinet members he felt compelled to speak tonight. He did not believe that the required 28 days notice had been given to this item on the forward plan, it missed the statutory deadline and he disagreed with the legal opinion that the decision that it was on the forward plan from the original date.  He felt that the name of the report and description had changed, that the item was not listed on the forward plan at Cabinet on 28 May 2020 and he wanted to ask if this decision was worth the risk given judicial review.  He was pleased to see the changes made by the concerns raised by O&S but are we expected to waist £200.000ponds when process had not been followed.  It was important to have universal provision through children centres.

The Leader thanked the speaker and felt his perseverance did the Liberal Democrats proud.  He asked officer or Lead Member wished to respond.

The Lead Member responded that this was the same decision being brought back to Cabinet and has remained on the forward plan.

The Managing Director informed that legal advice had been taken on the issues raised and the monitoring officer had informed that she was satisfied that the process was correct.  There would always be legal risks but it was also not possible to have the item on the forward plan presented to Cabinet in May as this had been produced according to legislation prior to Cabinet considering the call in recommendations.

Cllr Tisi reported that she welcomed the new report and that future consultation will inform what was a risk.  It was good to see the notification to terminate building leases had been removed.  The Lead Member thanked Cllr Tisi for being part of the O&S meeting that looked at the report as well of the ideas from Cllr C Da Costa.

The Leader reported that he endorsed the report, they had engaged and listened and modified as required.  There were limited speakers tonight which he took as a sign of support.

Resolved unanimously that: Cabinet notes the report and:

i)          Agrees in principle to the preferred model of integrated Family Hubs.

ii)         Agrees in principle for the Family Hub model to prioritise services for children, young people and families most in need.

iii)        Agrees to a second stage of public consultation which will seek views on the proposed implementation of the Family Hub model at a local level. The final model will then be developed, based on this consultation, and brought back to Cabinet in October for the final decision.