The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss the process for their in-depth review work and to consider the topic for the upcoming year's deep dive. The panel was also scheduled to develop the terms of reference for this deep dive and discuss co-optees.

Deep Dive Process and Future Work

The panel was scheduled to receive an overview of the Deep Dive Process and Ways of Working. This would have been followed by a discussion to consider the specific topic for the 2026/27 deep dive. Following the discussion on the topic, the panel was scheduled to develop the terms of reference for this investigation.

Co-optees and Meeting Arrangements

A key item on the agenda was the discussion of co-optees, individuals who would assist the panel in its work. Additionally, the panel was to consider an urgent business item regarding the amendment of meeting start times to better accommodate youth co-optees. The date for the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 18 November 2026, was also to be confirmed.

The panel's previous meeting on 4 March 2026 had included discussions on the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP), which was set to receive approximately £14.3 million in grant funding for Hounslow. This funding was intended for preventative measures, particularly for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those who had experienced domestic abuse. During that meeting, concerns were raised about the sustainability of funding and the challenges of ensuring consistent staff training, especially for volunteers. Recommendations from that previous meeting included focusing on very young children (0-2 years) and adolescents (12+), improving communication and signposting for available provisions, creating a group to disseminate new information, and measuring the perceived impact of the programme on families' lives. The current meeting was scheduled to build upon these discussions and processes.

The panel members were reminded of the council's protocol for recording and reporting at public meetings, which can be found on the Hounslow Council website. They were also reminded of their obligations regarding the declaration of interests under the Members' Code of Conduct, including disclosable pecuniary interests and other registerable interests. The guidance note from the Monitoring Officer provided details on these requirements, emphasizing the importance of avoiding predetermination and bias.

The members of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel scheduled to attend were Councillor Karen Smith (Chair), Councillors Muhammad Akram, Unsa Chaudri, Satwant Kaur, David Kerr, Alan Mitchell, Charmi Parmar, Rick Rowe, and Aysha Tariq. The co-optees were Jenny Capstick MBE, Michael Maguire, and Shaykh Ammar Siddiqui. The meeting was scheduled to be held in Rooms 6:06 & 6:07 on the 6th Floor of Hounslow House.