Agenda item

Report of The Chief Executive.

9.1       The Committee received a report on the arrangements the Council has put in place to ensure the exit from the current Tri-Borough arrangements and transition into a new Bi-Borough partnership in respect of Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Public Health Services are as smooth as possible. 

9.2       The report provided an outline of the Tri-Borough to Bi-Borough programme arrangements including its work streams as well as the risks identified so far and the mitigation actions being undertaken.

9.3       Siobhan Coldwell, Chief of Staff, summarised the key issues set out in the report and responded to questions from members of the committee.

9.4       The Committee asked whether the City Council intended to undertake a review at a future date of what had led to the demise of the Tri-Borough partnership for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Public Health Services. Siobhan Coldwell advised that there was no formal plan to undertake such a review.  She highlighted that Lord Adonis had been commissioned by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to undertake an independent review of the Tri-Borough Partnership and that whilst identifying some changes and lessons learned he had recommended that they continue with the partnership.

9.5       The Committee was informed that following the serving of the s113 notice to Hammersmith & Fulham, the three authorities have up to 12 months to disaggregate the services, but can, with agreement, potentially start new services earlier.  In response to questions Siobhan Coldwell stated that the City Council was comfortable with the timelines.  She stated that she would need to take legal advice on whether the period by which services must be disaggregated could be extended by a couple of months if necessary.

9.6       A query was raised as to whether serving the s113 notice to Hammersmith & Fulham may be premature as hypothetically there could be a change of leadership at Hammersmith and Fulham following the Council elections next May and they may wish to continue with the Tri-Borough partnership arrangements.

9.7       In response to questions regarding communications with shared staff, Siobhan Coldwell advised that affected staff had been briefed from the outset on the changes.  The Council had given as much assurance as it could regarding job security.

9.8       Members commented on the merits of having merged smaller services such as fostering and adoption.  Siobhan Coldwell stated that Hammersmith and Fulham recognised the value of retaining a form of shared service for such services where having a wide pool of families that are able to foster children is important.

9.9       The Committee was informed that planning on the Tri-Borough to Bi-borough programme arrangements and timelines is in its early stages and a more detailed update will be submitted to the Westminster Scrutiny Commission on the 24 May.  The policy and scrutiny committees that have responsibility for Children’s Services and Adult Social Care will receive updates on the emerging discussions for these services as relevant to their Terms of Reference.  A final strategy and programme plan will be agreed by the summer.

9.10    The Chairman stated that he would liaise with his counterparts to determine which aspects of the disengagement the Audit and Performance Committee would focus on to avoid duplication.  He suggested that an update on this issue is included as a standing item on future agendas.

9.11    RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

9.12    ACTIONS: Can the deadline for disaggregating the services be extended by agreement if additional time is required to finalise arrangements?  (Action for: Siobhan Coldwell, Chief of Staff)