Agenda and minutes

The Forum received a report of the Director of Strategic Services (People First), which proposed school term dates for 2008-09 in line with the model provided by the Local Government Association (LGA).

In response to questions from members of the Forum, the officer advised that most of the neighbouring boroughs were considering following the LGA model. A member of the Forum commented that it could be useful for neighbouring boroughs to align term dates as far as possible.

A Member expressed concern that the school year would end on a Monday, which could result in a higher than average unauthorised absence of pupils. An officer suggested that this day could be used as a training day.

Having discussed various options, the Forum agreed it would be difficult to avoid finishing the school year on a Monday.

Resolved to RECOMMEND: (to the Portfolio Holder, People First):

That the proposed school term dates for 2008-09 be approved.

[REASON: To fulfil the Council’s requirement to determine the school term dates for 2008-09.]

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

Reserve Members may attend meetings:-

(i)                 to take the place of an ordinary Member for whom they are a reserve;

(ii)               where the ordinary Member will be absent for the whole of the meeting; and

(iii)             the meeting notes at the start of the meeting at the item ‘Reserves’ that the Reserve Member is or will be attending as a reserve;

(iv)              if a Reserve Member whose intention to attend has been noted arrives after the commencement of the meeting, then that Reserve Member can only act as a Member from the start of the next item of business on the agenda after his/her arrival.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no Reserve Members in attendance at this meeting.

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

RESOLVED:  To note that apologies for absence had been received from Ms H Henshaw, Mrs J Rammelt, Mr N Rands and Reverend P Reece.

To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from:

(a)               all Members of the Committee, Sub Committee, Panel or Forum;

(b)               all other Members present in any part of the room or chamber.

RESOLVED:  To note (1) the personal interests previously declared by members of the Forum, in relation to their governorships of schools, as set out in the minutes of the Education Consultative Forum held on 15 July 2004 (minute 110);

(2)  that the following additional personal interests were declared:

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED:  That all items be considered with the press and public present.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2006 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

[Note: The 21 September 2006 minutes are published on the Council's intranet and website].

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2006 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents or organisations under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions were put at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 16 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 13 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions had been received.

To receive deputations (if any) under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no deputations were received at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

Report of the Director of Strategic Services Department, People First.

(See Recommendation 1)

Report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy.

The Forum considered a report of the Director of Financial and Business Strategy, which set out the draft revenue medium term budget strategy for 2007-08 and 2009-10.

An officer presented the segments of the draft budget that related to education.  She explained that the Council’s grant increase for 2007/2008 was 2.7% and that given there were inflation and other pressures exceeding this sum as well as reserves being very low significant savings across the Council needed to be made.

During the discussion on the report, members of the Forum expressed the following views.

·                     Concern was expressed that the cut in education welfare service would affect the most vulnerable individuals.

·                     Ceasing to be a provider of youth services and commission from other bodies could be detrimental to the personal development of youths.

·                     To cease Music Teaching Subsidy by increasing charges or reducing expenditure could prevent gifted pupils from a less wealthy background from developing their talent.

·                     The proposed cut in the Focus Harrow Young Musicians grant on Harrow residents was considerable and would negatively impact on the organisation.

·                     The fear of crime could increase if no services were provided for youths.

·                     Concerns were also raised over SLA charges, the focus on the clothing grant, school meals administration and legal support.

·                     The reduction of extended schools funding would lead to long term difficulties.

·                     It would be helpful if the draft budget stated for each item what percentage the change represented.

·                     There was a general concern over how realistic year on year cuts were and whether they were achievable and desirable considering the impact on services they might have.

·                     The budget as presented should not be considered the base budget. Were the Council’s financial position to improve, levels of funding should be restored.

RESOLVED:  That the above comments be forwarded to Cabinet.

To note that the next meeting of the Forum is due to be held on 21 March 2007.

RESOLVED:  To note that the next meeting of the Forum would be held on 21 March 2007.