Agenda item

Members asked the following questions on the Early Years and Childcare Service Report Card 2016-17 as detailed in the circulated report.

·        It was queried whether there were 3 grants or as listed 4?

Officers confirmed there were only 3 grants, Childcare Strategy Grant, Out of School Childcare Grant and the Healthy and Sustainable Pre School Scheme Grant.

·        Members highlighted that in today’s scorecards the authority was accessing grants that equate to £6 million.  Did Officers have any assurances that these grants would not be cut in future by the Welsh Government?

Officers explained that there were no assurances from the Welsh Government on the future of any grant funding which has always caused difficulties and uncertainties for staff who are paid through grant funding which in many cases was only issued on a yearly basis.  It was highlighted that the Welsh Local Government Association has been asking Welsh Government to include the grant funding monies into the Revenue Support Grant.  It was agreed that the Chair on behalf of the Committee would write to Assembly Members making them aware of these difficulties and the potential risks to the services if the grants are withdrawn.

The Head of Participation was asked to supply Members with the number of services that are funded by grants within Education and the total of amount of grant monies for Members to have an understanding of the impact on the Authority if grant monies were withdrawn by the Welsh Government.

Following Scrutiny, the report was noted subject to a letter being forwarded  by the Chair to Assembly Members.