Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report outlines the work undertaken following the recommendations made following the Scrutiny Review of Tackling Child Poverty.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Viki Packman on Tel: 474 5709 or email: viki.packman@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review on Tackling Child Poverty in 2007.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Since the Scrutiny Review in 2007, there had been extensive work by the Children’s Trust Board in respect to child poverty which included the completion of an extensive Child Poverty Needs Assessment which informed the Child Poverty Strategy 2011-2014.

·         Child poverty now has a high level focus with a strategic Child Poverty Group reporting to the Children’s Trust Board and quarterly reports to the Scrutiny Committee.

·         Councillors discussed the alternatives for communicating to members of the public, costs of childcare. There was a critical role for health visitors and children’s centres when promoting the free child care offer for children from the age of two years old.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.