northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT:  Councillor Wilson in the chair.

Councillors Redfern, C Sherwood, Sidell, Simpson, Smith and Whiteley.

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr P Bacon (Parent Governor Representative) and     Mr W Egan (Church Representative)

Councillor Gosling (Cabinet Member Children’s Service) attended the meeting as decision maker.

Councillors Barker, Swift and Waltham attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 37 (b).

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

76  DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.

No whip was declared.

77  (9) ITEM REQUESTED FOR CALL-IN IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 22 OF PART D RULE 5 (OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULES) OF THE COUNCIL’S CONSTITUTION – Minute 108 of the Children’s Services Cabinet Member meeting held on 8 April 2009 – The chair invited a nominee of the members who had requested the call-in to speak on the above decision and question the Children’s Services Cabinet Member.  Appropriate members outlined areas of concern as reasons for seeking a review of the above decision.  These included:-

(i) ‘In light of the Council’s stated desire to provide assistance to North Lincolnshire residents during the current financial difficulties, it be recognised that families with young people in post 16 education will be amongst those that are the most hard pressed, particularly due to the delays in providing Education Maintenance Allowances’s (EMA’s).  To this end targeted assistance be provided in the form of a cost freeze or a reduction in relation to post 16 education transport in order to prevent the exclusion of children from low income families from post 16 education.

Following discussions on the above issue, the Children’s Service Cabinet Member was invited to respond to the concerns and reasons for the decision being called in, and be held to account for the decision taken.  The Service Director Children, Strategy and Partnerships and also the Head of Resources, Strategy and Partnerships  were also invited to comment.

It was then –

Moved by Councillor Mrs Redfern and seconded by Councillor C Sherwood –

That the decision be referred back to the Children’s Service Cabinet Member for further consideration.

Motion Lost

Resolved – That no further action be taken, and the above decision of the Children’s Service Cabinet Member (minute 108 refers) be implemented with immediate effect.