Agenda and decisions

That the Children’s Trust Joint Committee notes Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT)’s current forecast to deliver agreed savings as reported at Period 3 to Operational Group in August 2023.

Reason for Decision

·         The Councils have established the Children’s Trust Joint Committee to discharge the functions of the Councils that relate to ownership of NCT, the provision of support services to the Trust and consider relevant matters arising in relation to the delivery of children’s early help and social care services and their financial position.

·         Consideration of the report provides the Joint Committee with oversight of the delivery of NCT’s agreed savings for 2023/24 which contributes to the overall financial position.

Alternative Options Considered

·         Do nothing - Not allowing the Joint Committee appropriate oversight of the delivery of NCT’s agreed savings for 2023/24 would prevent them from discharging the Councils responsibilities to monitor NCT’s financial position.

That the report not be noted.

Reason for Decision:

The arrangements to complete the Annual Review and Annual Report are set out in the SDC and provide a procedure through which the Councils can review the Service Delivery Contract and NCT’s performance in delivering its functions. Due to it not including the Children’s Trust audit report, it was not considered appropriate to note the annual report at this time.

Alternative Options Considered:

Do nothing - Failing to complete the Annual Review or produce an Annual Report would not be compliant with the SDC and would not allow the Councils to formally review the contractual arrangements with NCT and agree changes.  It should be noted that the SDC contains a process for the Councils to propose changes outside of the Annual Review if required.

Note the annual report – It was not considered appropriate to note the report at this time, for the reasons outlined above.