To consider a report of the Executive Member for Children’s Services.

That the investment outlined in the report and summarised in the Cost Benefit Analysis be agreed.

The Executive Member for Children’s Services submitted a report which proposed that Trafford Council embark on a three year programme of investment in Services for Children that focused on early intervention and help to families that are at risk, so as to ensure that children are safeguarded at the earliest point and to avoid the need for them to be taken into care.

In introducing the report, the Deputy Leader welcomed Jill McGregor, who had just commenced her service as the Council’s Corporate Director for Children’s Services.

Members broadly welcomed the proposals, acknowledging the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the investments proposed did in the event secure the envisaged service outcomes and cost benefits. It was noted that Scrutiny Committees could be well placed to assist with this ongoing evaluation.

RESOLVED - That the investment outlined in the report and summarised in the Cost Benefit Analysis be agreed.