Children services and National Adoption Week
I recently went to Downing Street to meet with the Children's Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza and Children’s Minister Will Quince MP to promote National Adoption Week. In that meeting the Children’s Commissioner shared her findings of a Nationwide survey called the Big Ask. Dame Rachel uncovered that there was a truly positive story to tell by our young people across the country as they emerged from the pandemic when it came to matters of education and family. In the cases where families had struggled and are struggling, children called for more support by Central Government.
That is why the Chancellor’s announcements in the recent budget to extend both the Family Hubs and the Supporting Families programmes are so welcomed. Not only did he announce record investment in education, but he was also responding to the needs of our families and young people through these programmes. For my part I will be keeping a close eye on our Children’s and Young People’s Cabinet Member here at Hounslow Council over these winter months to ensure that the Labour Administration is prepared to enact these policies locally.
At 10 Downing Street, I met with several adoption agencies, including Tarn Bright, the CEO of Homes For Good and other agency representatives alongside adopted children and adopters. I heard some powerful testimonies from adopting parents who had taken the big step to give a young person their love and care and the gift of a secure home. It reminded me of just how great our country is. We are Great Britain and despite the political debate and heated exchanges on social media and in the press; deep down this country and its people are generous, supportive and kind. I would not be where I am today if it were not for my five separate foster parents. All their own way showed the side of this country that we seldom hear much about.
In my discussion with the minister, Will Quince MP, I asked how we could better use our services to support adoption and fostering parents and specifically how we can encourage potential parents to come forward.
He explained to me that nearly all local authority adoption services have now been delegated to Regional Adoption Agencies (RAA), but the legal responsibility for them remains with local authorities. It means that Hounslow services are now part of Adopt London West RAA which is a partnership between the Boroughs of Hounslow, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham and Ealing. See more details here: Adopt London | Adoption Support and Services across London
Council finances and budgets
On Tuesday, this week I was on the Overview and Scrutiny Panel at the underused multi-million-pound complex, Hounslow House. We were tasked with scrutinising and approving the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) ahead of the local budget setting meeting in February 2022. Needless they have some work to do in their legal obligation to balance the books.
Despite all the funding support from Central Government and monies collected in record fines to drivers for unwittingly violating LTN restrictions, Hounslow still needs to close a £7million gap by February 2022! You might be right to think: Labour + Finances = Mess.
But do not worry, Central Government money has reached some of our pockets. Purely by accident mind you. The council did not know what to do with remaining £2.3 million Business Support Grant, so the £20 shopping voucher was created. We learned on Tuesday that residents now have until Christmas Eve to use their voucher. By the way it cost Hounslow Council £100k to administer this process! Hmm: Labour + Finance = Mess.
I must admit that Overview of Scrutiny meeting was not all doom and gloom. It was good to see nearly the entire cabinet at the meeting on Tuesday. The cabinet was even in agreement that record funding our schools announced by the Government was a positive step in the right direction for our Borough. In 2019 the Government announced £14 billion investment in education which resulted in increased funding for our schools in Hounslow. In the recent Budget announcement by the Chancellor in October, funding for schools was set to rise by a further £4.7 billion between 2024 and 2025, an increase of £1500 per pupil.
For us here in the London Borough of Hounslow and Chiswick more specifically, education is the first step of the social mobility ladder. If the Conservative Party wins back control of the Council in May 2022, my priority will be to support headteachers and teachers across the borough in their endeavour to raise standards in our schools. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in. That is why when an opportunity came up recently to join Chiswick School’s Trustees board as an Academy Trust Member, I did not hesitate. It is a huge honour, but more importantly it means I can work closely with other trust members to support the brilliant work of Headmistress Laura Ellener. I want Chiswick School to be the first choice for our children here in Chiswick.
Conservative Group Statement in response to the Council of the Year Awards
Winning Council of the Year at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards Ceremony is a welcomed award for the brilliant efforts of officers, volunteers, and members of the London Borough of Hounslow Council this past year. The pandemic has seen many of us tested in ways never seen before and the Council’s response to this crisis meant we were able to help our residents swiftly. The Council’s response to the mobilising of staff and volunteers at the start of the pandemic is to be celebrated.
An effective opposition and the administration of the Council working together can achieve many great things for our residents and winning this award is a recognition of the efforts of the wider council body. Well done and thank you to all the officers, volunteers, and colleagues who pulled together to do what is best for our residents.
Cllr Ron Mushiso
[email protected]
07976 702887
