Minutes:
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withdrawn.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Authority if grant monies were withdrawn by the Welsh Government.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.
Supporting documents: