Decision details

The existing Families First Programme comes to an end in March 2017. Initial indications are that there will be a future programme, but contract value and full guidance has not yet been issued by Welsh Government.

Initial indications are that contracts will need to be extended until at least October 2017 to enable transition to new arrangements.  Due to the value of the contracts, the decision to extend rests with the Cabinet.

RESOLVED; that (subject the Council securing written confirmation of grant funding from the Welsh Government at a level which is sufficient to cover the cost of the proposed variations and pilot arrangements);

1.            The proposed variation to the existing contracts referred to under paragraph 20 of this report (with the exception of the Healthy Lifestyles contract referred to recommendation 1b) by way of an extension of 12 months commencing on 1 April 2017 be approved;

2.            the proposed variation to the existing Families First Healthy Lifestyles contract with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board be approved:-

i.       by way of an extension for a period of 3 months commencing upon 1 April 2017 in respect of those elements of the services referred to as 1) the Sex and Relationship Education project and 2) the ASSIST (smoking prevention) project;

ii.      by way of an extension for a period of 12 months commencing upon 1 April 2017 in respect of the remaining elements of the services within the said contract.

3.            Authority be delegated to the Director of Social Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Early Years Children and Families and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Performance, and Section 151 and Monitoring Officer for all aspects of commissioning the proposed short term pilot arrangements which may be put in place during the transition period as further detailed inparagraph 34 of the report.

4.            a report will be submitted to Cabinet to seek approval to the proposed model for the longer term arrangements for the Families First Programme once the final Welsh Government Guidance and financial information in relation to the new programme has been received.