The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on 25 January 2024 to discuss the council's budget and business plan for 2024/25, as well as the report and recommendations from the Youth Task Group. Key decisions included the panel's agreement with the Youth Task Group's recommendations and their consideration of the draft budget proposals.

Budget and Business Plan 2024/25

The panel considered the draft budget proposals for 2024/25 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-28. Councillor Usaama Kaweesa, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, introduced the report, highlighting that while there is some provision for additional social care funding, it is less than hoped for. The council faces challenging pressures due to funding not matching the increased demand and costs over recent years, exacerbated by a one-year settlement which complicates long-term planning.

Key points discussed regarding the budget included:

• Core Spending Power: Government figures suggest a 5.8% increase in core spending power, which assumes the full council tax increase will be utilised.
• Social Care Pressures: Placement spend is noted as being 24% below the average per child, with ongoing work to assess the feasibility of providing more care within the borough. The cost of secure placements can be as high as £29,000 per week, with an average placement costing around £8,000 per week. Local foster care is considered more cost-effective than using agencies, which in turn is more cost-effective than children's homes.
• SEN Transportation Costs: Efforts are being made to reduce Special Educational Needs (SEN) transportation costs through initiatives like travel training.
• Cost of Living Support: Local responses include providing savings accounts to Year 7 pupils through Croydonplus Credit Union, alongside financial management education in schools.
• Social Care Grant: This grant is ring-fenced for both children's and adults' social care, with no reduction in overall funding.
• Family Hubs: While services within family hubs will continue, transformation funding will cease.
• Capital Spend: Projects may be spread over longer periods or occur in the future. Members can scrutinise these projects upon request, and the budget report provides high-level detail. Executive Directors are available for briefings, and the Overview and Scrutiny Commission will also review the details.
• Early Years Provision: Efforts are being made to ensure early years provision continues, with some savings anticipated from increased grants. However, the ambition remains to ensure provision meets requirements.

Youth Task Group Report and Recommendations

The panel received the final report and recommendations from the Youth Task Group, chaired by Councillor Max Austin. The report highlighted that Merton's youth services face budget pressures, leading to a shift from universal to more targeted provision. National analysis shows a significant drop in local authority spending on youth services since 2010.

A key recommendation from the task group is the exploration of forming a Young People's Foundation (YPF) for Merton. This model, supported by organisations like the John Lyons Foundation and City Bridge Trust, involves a consortium of local partners delivering youth services and the local authority working together. A central hub would bid for funding from various sources and distribute it among the partnership.

The task group heard that a YPF would formalise existing collaborations and provide the necessary governance and accountability structures that many funders require. It was noted that the funding landscape has become more challenging, making it difficult for smaller organisations with limited capacity to secure funding independently. A YPF would offer support and training to its members, share information, and encourage joint working.

The report also highlighted a disparity between larger and smaller organisations, with smaller charities often operating with staff working unpaid overtime. A YPF would include a full-time staff member to support the partnership. A collective approach through a YPF is expected to provide local leadership, attract more funding, and enhance the local offer by implementing best practices.

The task group also noted that Merton is sometimes perceived as an affluent borough, and a YPF could help gather data to demonstrate local deprivation and the need for funding.

The task group made four recommendations to the Merton Youth Partnership as they develop their bid to become a Young People's Foundation:

• The Merton Youth Partnership (MYP) should consider council representation on their Board.
• The MYP should acknowledge the role Ward Councillors can play in seeking funding from corporate sponsors and local benefactors, and consider supporting the creation of a YPF Councillor Champion.
• The MYP should ensure governance arrangements give an equal voice to smaller organisations.
• Progress with the YPF should be reported to the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Childhood Immunisations

The panel received an update on childhood immunisations in Merton. It was noted that Merton's overall immunisation uptake is below the South West London average, particularly in the north of the borough, although MMR vaccination uptake is above average. Work is underway to address low uptake through targeted communications, accessible advertising, and training for healthcare providers on vaccine confidence. Challenges include combating misinformation, such as the disproven link between MMR and autism. The council is working with NHS partners to improve vaccination records and target groups with missed immunisations, including a London-wide campaign for Measles and Polio.

Local Playgrounds

The panel was informed about a £2 million investment in local play parks over the next few years. Upgrades are underway, prioritising parks in greatest need, with designs incorporating community feedback. The Parks team is open to suggestions from councillors regarding facilities in their wards. Discussions covered the use of sustainable materials in playground construction, with a focus on recycled plastics and FSC-approved timber. Specific details were provided on the investment in Wimbledon Park's splash pad, including compliance with legionella testing. Communications regarding park improvements will commence after March when facilities reopen.

Departmental Update

The Executive Director provided an update on the Joint Target Area Inspection, which involved inspectors from the CQC and OFSTED. While inspectors noted strong partnerships and the value of children's voices, areas for improvement were also identified. A final report and action plan are expected by 12 February, with further details to be presented in March. The council remains committed to its school improvement function and has no plans for school closures.

Performance Monitoring

The committee noted the contents of the performance monitoring report.

Work Programme

The panel discussed the work programme, including a task group focused on youth engagement in local democracy, which is likely to be rolled over to the next scrutiny year. Feedback on the panel's functioning will be sought from interested parties. The next meeting is scheduled for 11 March.