Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities seeking approval to accept funding of £765,000 to deliver Troubled Families programme and to endorse in principle the initial programme of work agreed through the Troubled Families Steering Group

Troubled Families is a national initiative promoted by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) which aims to turnaround families with complex needs.  Based on statistical analysis alone the DCLG has allocated funding for us to work with 685 families who are in receipt of benefits due to not working, and:

·  Are involved in anti-social behaviour or their children are involved in crime; or

·  The children do not attend school regularly or have poor behaviour resulting in exclusion.

(i)  To accept, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, the £765,000 Department for Education Troubled Families grant and to note that a further £166,400 may be received on a payment by results basis if we meet the agreed targets.

(ii)  To approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, revenue expenditure of £765,000 in 2012/13.

(iii)  To delegate to the Director of Children’s Services and Learning following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, the decision regarding the final delivery model, including the appointment of a (fixed term) full time co-ordinator subject to the Council’s Recruitment Policy.

(i)  The first year funding will be made as an individual “Section 31” grant nominated for Troubled Families and is not ring fenced.  It will significantly enhance the broad range of preventative work currently undertaken by the City Council, other agencies and the voluntary sector.  The commitment to participate has been confirmed by the Chief Executive on 30 April 2012 to the DCLG and supported by partners through the Steering Group.

(ii)  The initial model of delivery is being developed in accordance with the national evaluation of Family Intervention Projects (FIP) and has been discussed in detail with the Troubled Families Steering Group and worked up through intensive consultation with key service delivery partners.

(i)  To refuse to engage with this programme.

(ii)  The City would lose the opportunity to improve the likely outcomes for at least 685 local families.

(iii)  This funding is provided with no risk to Local Authority current funding.