Decision details

The success of the action taken to offset the previously reported overspending in Social Care and Children With Disabilities placements be noted.

That contracts of £50,000 and above that have been exempted from the normal requirement to obtain competitive quotes be noted.

That Executive be recommended to agree that £75,000 Pathfinder Grant be added to the 2011/12 CYP budget.

“Building a Better Bromley” refers to the Council’s intention to remain among the lowest Council Tax levels in Outer London through greater focus on priorities.  The Resources Portfolio Plan has the target that each department with spend within its budget.  Chief Officers and the Head of Finance stress the need for strict budget monitoring to minimise the risk of compounding pressure in future years. 

In partnership with London Borough of Bexley, Bromley applied for and was successful in achieving National Pathfinder status and a grant of £75k in 2011/12 and £150k in 2012/13 to test out a range of proposals set out in the SEN and Disabilities Green Paper.  Work is now successfully underway involving all partners including parents and the voluntary sector and authority is requested to adjust the 2011/12 budget accordingly for the £75k grant.