The Children and Young People Select Committee of Hampshire County Council met to discuss several key issues, including the amendment of the Task and Finish Working Group, the 2024-25 revenue budget for Children's Services, the capital programme for 2024-25 to 2026-27, lessons learned from the School Transport Service, and an update on autism services commissioning.

Task and Finish Working Group - Proposal to Amend Membership

The committee received a report from the Director of Children’s Services proposing an amendment to the Task and Finish Working Group established on 14 November 2023. The amendment aimed to add an additional member, expanding the group to include a Labour Group member while maintaining proportionality with the Council’s overall composition. The committee resolved to continue with the Task and Finish Working Group and agreed to increase its membership from eight to nine members.

2024-25 Revenue Budget Report for Children’s Services

The committee reviewed the 2024-25 Revenue Budget Report for Children’s Services. Key challenges highlighted included the complexity of services provided, increasing private sector costs, the growing number of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP), social worker recruitment and retention, and pressures associated with Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC). Rising costs of the School Transport Service were also noted. The committee supported the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services.

Children’s Services Capital Programme 2024-25 – 2026-27

The committee received an overview of the Children’s Services Capital Programme for 2024-25 to 2026-27. The programme includes significant school construction activity to meet the demand for primary and secondary places and major SEND expansion schemes. Pressures on the programme include inflation in the construction industry and the need to secure developer contributions. The committee supported the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services.

School Transport: Summer 2023 Lessons Learned and Policy Consultations

The committee discussed the lessons learned from the School Transport Service and the resulting Service Improvement Plan. The report also covered public consultations on proposed changes to the School Transport Policy and the Post 16 Transport Policy. Key issues identified were categorised into data, process, tooling, resources, and communications. The committee noted the lessons learned and the feedback received during the public consultation.

Update on Autism Services Commissioning for Children and Young People in Hampshire

The committee received a written update on Autism Services Commissioning from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Group. The committee noted the progress made and the ongoing issues outlined in the update report.

Work Programme

The Director of People and Organisation presented the committee’s work programme. The committee discussed and agreed on potential items for the work programme, which will be prioritised and allocated by the Chairman in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services.