To consider a report of the Executive Member for Supporting Children and Families.

NOTE: The Board’s Independent Chairman will be in attendance to introduce the report.

Councillor Miss Blackburn welcomed Dr. Bob Postlethwaite, the Board’s Independent Chairman, who was in attendance to introduce the Board’s Annual Report, and respond to Members’ enquiries. Dr. Postlethwaite, drew Members’ attention to key issues arising from the report, highlighting both good practice and identified areas of challenge for the Council, including the low number of Common Assessment Frameworks (CAFs) compared to the number of children in need in the borough. An introduction was also provided to the 2013/14 Business Plan, which was also set out in the report. An opportunity was provided for Members to ask questions; in response to queries it was agreed that provision would be made for the report to be referred to Council for information; and the Board’s Chairman indicated that the Board would consider whether it would be appropriate to make provision for the appointment of an Opposition Member to its membership.

            RESOLVED:

(1)          That the content of the report and presentation be noted.

(2)          That provision be made for the Board’s Annual Report to be referred to Council for information.