Agenda item

To pre-scrutinise the proposed capital programme for Children’s Services prior to decision by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services on 14 January 2021.

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing a briefing of the departments Capital Programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25 (see Item 7 in the Minute Book).

The Committee noted the ongoing work the department had carried out to increase the number of schools places available to be in line with demand, with 14,215 created between 2013 and 2021. The Committee received the Schools Places Plan – 2022 to 2026, with a further proposed increase of 8,066 primary and secondary places. Members noted the projected figures for reception and year 7 intake within Hampshire Schools and the new schools proposed to accommodate the requirement.

The Committee also heard details of the proposed schemes in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and the schools anticipated to benefit from them.

Members noted the key pressures on the capital programme, including the need to balance income and expenditure, the pressure of the increasing schools places required, inflation in the construction industry and the overall size of the programme. It was observed that better value schools had been delivered over recent years, and there was always a strive to reduce costs further, whilst carefully consider the impact on the climate.

In response to questions members heard that:

·         There are grants available for the initial capital cost and the ongoing costs of Solar Panels for schools.

·         The authority works closely with planning authorities to plan future need for school places.

·         Recent capital projects have had a reduction in carbon but are not yet ‘net zero’ and they are expected to have the same lifespan with the appropriate maintained.

·         The ongoing Care Review may have an impact on the model for Children’s Homes.

·         Developers are required to contribute towards the costs of schools when requirements are met and these schools need to be within a set distances of homes.

·         Hampshire’s Special Schools are significantly more expensive to build and maintain due their requirements.

·         There is an excellent relationship with the local planning authorities but steps are taken to ensure that developments cannot increase past set limits in stages.

·         The Department for Education fund secure accommodation in Hampshire, which the department always seeks if free over accommodation elsewhere.

RESOLVED:

That the Children and Young People Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.