Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Children and Young People Select Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 15th October 2025
10:00 AM
Wednesday, 15th October 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Wednesday, 15th October 2025
2:00 PM
Wednesday, 15th October 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
15 Oct 2025
15 Oct 2025
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Councillor Jackie Branson
Apologies, sent representative
Committee Member
Councillor Ann Briggs
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Pamela Bryant
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Arun Mummalaneni
Absent
Labour Spokesperson
Councillor Jacky Tustain
Present, as expected
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Tim Davies
Present, as substitute
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Andrew Joy
Not required
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Lance Quantrill
Not required
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Keith Mans
Present, as substitute
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Bill Withers Lt Col (Retd)
Not required
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Councillor Wayne Irish
Not required
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Councillor Roger Price
Not required
Labour Deputy
Councillor Alex Crawford
Not required
Labour Deputy
Councillor Kim Taylor
Not required
Independent Group Deputy
Councillor Sarah Pankhurst
Not required
Independent Group Deputy
Councillor Malcolm Wallace
Not required
Vice-Chairman
Councillor Phil North
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Jonathan Glen
Present, as expected
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Committee Member
Independent Group Spokesperson
Vice Chairman of the Council
Committee Member
Co-opted Member
Catholic Schools Representative - Vacancy
Catholic Schools Representative
Not required
Co-opted Member
Robert Sanders
Church of England Schools Representative
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Kirsty Whitty
Parent Governor for Primary Schools
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Christie Franklin
Parent Governor for Special Schools
Absent
Independent Group Deputy
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Christopher Donnelly
Not required
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Branson, Burton, Meenaghan and Wade.
Councillors Carpenter, Davies, Mans and Groves were in attendance as deputies.
Councillors Carpenter, Davies, Mans and Groves were in attendance as deputies.
2
Declarations of Interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Robert Sanders declared an interest relating to Agenda Item 6 as a Trustee of The Playhouse Foundation.
Robert Sanders declared an interest relating to Agenda Item 6 as a Trustee of The Playhouse Foundation.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 14072025 1400 Children and Young People Select Committee 07 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
The Committee did not receive any deputations.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman welcomed Kirsty Whitty who had recently been appointed as the co-opted member representing Hampshire Primary School Parent Governors. The Chairman also welcome students from the University of Winchester who were observing from the Public Gallery.
Members were encouraged to take up the Director’s offer to visit the Children’s Services Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (the MASH). The Chairman also encouraged members to visit the newly opened Hockley House.
Members were encouraged to take up the Director’s offer to visit the Children’s Services Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (the MASH). The Chairman also encouraged members to visit the newly opened Hockley House.
6
Autism Care and Support Services
To receive an NHS update on the work programme and priorities to improve outcomes for children and young people with autism in Hampshire.
Attachments:
Minutes
The Committee received a report from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight (IOW) outlining the current autism pathways, available support services and the timescales for implementing support and reaching a diagnosis for children and young people in Hampshire.
Members engaged in discussion and expressed strong dissatisfaction with the excessive waiting times families faced when seeking help or diagnosis for their children. Whilst acknowledging that there existed a national crisis in waiting times, the current average wait for an autism diagnosis in Hampshire was 703 days, which Members unanimously agreed was wholly unacceptable. Members were assured that children and young people were being provided with access to support and intervention services regardless of this wait time.
The Committee noted that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) currently required autism pathways to be consultant-led. This had contributed to workforce challenges, particularly in retaining qualified psychiatrists within the NHS. Members were informed that alternative, NICE-compliant models were being explored to enable other clinicians to undertake autism assessments, with the aim of reducing waiting times.
Members raised concerns about the limited research into autism and Members discussed how the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the County Council could collaborate to promote and expand research opportunities in this area.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were noted:
· A prioritisation framework was in place to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals received timely support. The ICB was also exploring the introduction of autism champions, peer support groups and parent workshops to disseminate specialist advice.
· New initiatives were being implemented and regularly reviewed to improve outcomes for families. This included a waiting list validation exercise to ensure individuals are appropriately placed. Members welcomed the development of a ‘whole system’ dashboard to provide a comprehensive view across all support partners.
· The right to choose pathway was highlighted, which allows patients to legally choose where they receive NHS treatment. The ICB were working with the Hampshire Parent Carer Forum and with Primary Care colleagues to raise awareness of available support pathways.
· Autism assessments required extensive preparation and evidence gathering from all stakeholders. Members noted the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline this process by digitally collating individual pieces of evidence, thereby improving efficiency.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i. Notes their concern regarding the current average waiting time of 703 days to reach an autism diagnosis for children and young people across Hampshire.
ii. Endorses and recommends that more research is undertaken in this area and agrees to work collaboratively to support this.
iii. Requests that the ICB approach NICE to suggest that their autism assessment guidelines are reviewed in light of the length of time since the last review in 2011.
iv. That a further update is provided for the Committee at their meeting in June 2026 and is added into the Work Programme.
Members engaged in discussion and expressed strong dissatisfaction with the excessive waiting times families faced when seeking help or diagnosis for their children. Whilst acknowledging that there existed a national crisis in waiting times, the current average wait for an autism diagnosis in Hampshire was 703 days, which Members unanimously agreed was wholly unacceptable. Members were assured that children and young people were being provided with access to support and intervention services regardless of this wait time.
The Committee noted that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) currently required autism pathways to be consultant-led. This had contributed to workforce challenges, particularly in retaining qualified psychiatrists within the NHS. Members were informed that alternative, NICE-compliant models were being explored to enable other clinicians to undertake autism assessments, with the aim of reducing waiting times.
Members raised concerns about the limited research into autism and Members discussed how the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the County Council could collaborate to promote and expand research opportunities in this area.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were noted:
· A prioritisation framework was in place to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals received timely support. The ICB was also exploring the introduction of autism champions, peer support groups and parent workshops to disseminate specialist advice.
· New initiatives were being implemented and regularly reviewed to improve outcomes for families. This included a waiting list validation exercise to ensure individuals are appropriately placed. Members welcomed the development of a ‘whole system’ dashboard to provide a comprehensive view across all support partners.
· The right to choose pathway was highlighted, which allows patients to legally choose where they receive NHS treatment. The ICB were working with the Hampshire Parent Carer Forum and with Primary Care colleagues to raise awareness of available support pathways.
· Autism assessments required extensive preparation and evidence gathering from all stakeholders. Members noted the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline this process by digitally collating individual pieces of evidence, thereby improving efficiency.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i. Notes their concern regarding the current average waiting time of 703 days to reach an autism diagnosis for children and young people across Hampshire.
ii. Endorses and recommends that more research is undertaken in this area and agrees to work collaboratively to support this.
iii. Requests that the ICB approach NICE to suggest that their autism assessment guidelines are reviewed in light of the length of time since the last review in 2011.
iv. That a further update is provided for the Committee at their meeting in June 2026 and is added into the Work Programme.
7
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service update
To receive an NHS update on CAMHS provision across Hampshire.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire CAMHS update 07 Oct 2025
- Document North East Hampshire update 07 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee received an update from both NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) covering the Hampshire area—namely, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB and the Frimley ICB—regarding Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Members expressed concern and disappointment over the lengthy waiting times faced by families and the fact that children were not consistently receiving the services and support that they required. While the Committee acknowledged and appreciated the dedication and efforts of the presenters in supporting children, it was agreed that future accountability should rest with strategic leadership. The Committee resolved to invite the Chief Executives of both ICBs to a future meeting to address the underperformance of CAMHS services.
The Committee also noted the financial pressure placed on the Children’s Services Directorate due to delays in clinical support. Hampshire County Council was bearing the full cost for children with the most complex needs, those subject to deprivation of liberty orders is a good example of this. These cases involve extremely high levels of complexity, often linked to mental health, autism, or ADHD. A recent review of 41 such cases found every child had these conditions, yet health services contributed to only two of those placements. As a result, the Council was spending around £26 million each year to fund these specialist interventions.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were noted:
· Hampshire aligns with the national target of a four-week waiting time for young people with eating disorders.
· The current triage process was inefficient, with young people being moved too quickly from initial assessment to waiting lists.
· Certain areas, such as Fareham and Havant, were experiencing higher referral volumes.
· There was an ongoing shortage of ADHD medication across Hampshire, causing disruption to treatment and support pathways.
The Committee requested that the following information be provided by the ICB’s and circulated to Members:
· The number of children currently on the waiting list.
· The number of children receiving interventions who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act and subsequently receiving after care under Section 117, who have thereafter resulted in being placed in secure accommodation and how many of those children are looked after children
· Further information on the 50% increase in funding and the corresponding rise in waiting times and an explanation of these data trends in relation to demand, anomalies and referral complexity.
· Benchmarking data comparing Hampshire’s performance against national indicators.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i. Notes the update, the work programme and the priorities of Hampshire CAMHS and requests that the further information listed in the bullet points above be provided by the ICBs.
ii. Agrees that the Chairman will write to the Chief Executives of both ICBs to request their attendance at a future Committee meeting to provide a further update on Hampshire CAMHS.
Members expressed concern and disappointment over the lengthy waiting times faced by families and the fact that children were not consistently receiving the services and support that they required. While the Committee acknowledged and appreciated the dedication and efforts of the presenters in supporting children, it was agreed that future accountability should rest with strategic leadership. The Committee resolved to invite the Chief Executives of both ICBs to a future meeting to address the underperformance of CAMHS services.
The Committee also noted the financial pressure placed on the Children’s Services Directorate due to delays in clinical support. Hampshire County Council was bearing the full cost for children with the most complex needs, those subject to deprivation of liberty orders is a good example of this. These cases involve extremely high levels of complexity, often linked to mental health, autism, or ADHD. A recent review of 41 such cases found every child had these conditions, yet health services contributed to only two of those placements. As a result, the Council was spending around £26 million each year to fund these specialist interventions.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were noted:
· Hampshire aligns with the national target of a four-week waiting time for young people with eating disorders.
· The current triage process was inefficient, with young people being moved too quickly from initial assessment to waiting lists.
· Certain areas, such as Fareham and Havant, were experiencing higher referral volumes.
· There was an ongoing shortage of ADHD medication across Hampshire, causing disruption to treatment and support pathways.
The Committee requested that the following information be provided by the ICB’s and circulated to Members:
· The number of children currently on the waiting list.
· The number of children receiving interventions who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act and subsequently receiving after care under Section 117, who have thereafter resulted in being placed in secure accommodation and how many of those children are looked after children
· Further information on the 50% increase in funding and the corresponding rise in waiting times and an explanation of these data trends in relation to demand, anomalies and referral complexity.
· Benchmarking data comparing Hampshire’s performance against national indicators.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i. Notes the update, the work programme and the priorities of Hampshire CAMHS and requests that the further information listed in the bullet points above be provided by the ICBs.
ii. Agrees that the Chairman will write to the Chief Executives of both ICBs to request their attendance at a future Committee meeting to provide a further update on Hampshire CAMHS.
8
Annual Safeguarding Report - Children's Services 2024-25
To review the annual update on safeguarding children activity within Children’s Services during 2024/25.
Attachments:
- Document Final Report - Annual Safeguarding Report 2025 07 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee received the annual report outlining safeguarding activity within Children’s Services during 2024/25.
Members welcomed the report and commended officers for maintaining the ‘Outstanding’ rating following the Ofsted inspection in June 2024.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were confirmed:
· Members were encouraged to attend Hive events. Officers agreed to draft suggested wording for Members to share, promoting both the events and the recruitment of foster carers.
· Members will also be invited to visit the Best Start Hubs, which were scheduled to launch in early 2026.
· Officers assured the Committee of their confidence in the age assessment process for separated children. They noted ongoing work to ensure appropriate actions were taken by relevant agencies in cases of false claims.
· When asked about protecting staff from being subject to aggressive and violent behaviours, it was confirmed that Officers were working hard around responses and working in partnership with agencies. There were processes that were followed internally, including on occasions non-contact through the complaints team. It was also confirmed that the County Council has sought injunctions on occasions.
· A degree of reliance on agency resources to cover staff sickness or long-term leave was expected and appropriate.
· The aim was for family practitioners to maintain continuity with the young person or family they support, even if circumstances change, to preserve the consistency of the relationship.
· In response to a specific query, officers agreed to obtain further data on the number of children currently on the waiting list for mental health referrals and report this back to Committee Members.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note and support the recommendations being proposed to Cabinet as set out below:
That Cabinet notes the positive progress and continued consistently high performance with regards to safeguarding children in Hampshire.
That Cabinet note the commitment of a wide range of Children’s Services officers in achieving this level of performance.
That Cabinet receives further updates on safeguarding on an annual basis.
Members welcomed the report and commended officers for maintaining the ‘Outstanding’ rating following the Ofsted inspection in June 2024.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were confirmed:
· Members were encouraged to attend Hive events. Officers agreed to draft suggested wording for Members to share, promoting both the events and the recruitment of foster carers.
· Members will also be invited to visit the Best Start Hubs, which were scheduled to launch in early 2026.
· Officers assured the Committee of their confidence in the age assessment process for separated children. They noted ongoing work to ensure appropriate actions were taken by relevant agencies in cases of false claims.
· When asked about protecting staff from being subject to aggressive and violent behaviours, it was confirmed that Officers were working hard around responses and working in partnership with agencies. There were processes that were followed internally, including on occasions non-contact through the complaints team. It was also confirmed that the County Council has sought injunctions on occasions.
· A degree of reliance on agency resources to cover staff sickness or long-term leave was expected and appropriate.
· The aim was for family practitioners to maintain continuity with the young person or family they support, even if circumstances change, to preserve the consistency of the relationship.
· In response to a specific query, officers agreed to obtain further data on the number of children currently on the waiting list for mental health referrals and report this back to Committee Members.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note and support the recommendations being proposed to Cabinet as set out below:
That Cabinet notes the positive progress and continued consistently high performance with regards to safeguarding children in Hampshire.
That Cabinet note the commitment of a wide range of Children’s Services officers in achieving this level of performance.
That Cabinet receives further updates on safeguarding on an annual basis.
9
Hampshire Youth Justice Service, Youth Justice Plan 25/26
To pre-scrutinise the Hampshire Youth Justice Service Youth Justice Plan ahead of a decision by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.
Attachments:
- Document HYJP front cover 07 Oct 2025
- Document Decision Day report 07 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee received a report presenting the Hampshire Youth Justice Service Youth Justice Plan 2025/26.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were confirmed:
· Gravity 5 offences represent the highest level of crime seriousness within the National Police Chiefs' Council Child Gravity Matrix. This matrix is used by police as a triage tool to determine appropriate outcomes for children who commit offences.
· Officers were working to enhance victim participation and feedback, with strategies being developed to ensure this is facilitated in a safe and appropriate manner.
· Delays and extended waiting times within CAMHS may be contributing to the number of individuals entering the Youth Justice Service.
· A targeted training session on disproportionality was delivered to officers which proved valuable. The team continues to engage with local communities and practitioners to better understand the demographics within each area and identify effective ways to support young people.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommends that Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services considers the Hampshire Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2026 and agrees to refer it to Full Council for
Approval.
In response to Members’ questions, the following points were confirmed:
· Gravity 5 offences represent the highest level of crime seriousness within the National Police Chiefs' Council Child Gravity Matrix. This matrix is used by police as a triage tool to determine appropriate outcomes for children who commit offences.
· Officers were working to enhance victim participation and feedback, with strategies being developed to ensure this is facilitated in a safe and appropriate manner.
· Delays and extended waiting times within CAMHS may be contributing to the number of individuals entering the Youth Justice Service.
· A targeted training session on disproportionality was delivered to officers which proved valuable. The team continues to engage with local communities and practitioners to better understand the demographics within each area and identify effective ways to support young people.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommends that Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services considers the Hampshire Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2026 and agrees to refer it to Full Council for
Approval.
10
Work Programme
To consider and approve the Children and Young People Select Committee Work Programme.
Attachments:
- Document Children and Young People Select Committee Work Programme - master copy 07 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Committee reviewed the Work Programme.
The Director noted that the additional Select Committee meeting which had been scheduled for 23 December 2025 would no longer be going ahead and that a cancellation notice would shortly be circulated.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee discussed and agreed potential items for the work programme that can be prioritised and allocated by the Chairman of the Children and Young People Select Committee in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services.
The Director noted that the additional Select Committee meeting which had been scheduled for 23 December 2025 would no longer be going ahead and that a cancellation notice would shortly be circulated.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee discussed and agreed potential items for the work programme that can be prioritised and allocated by the Chairman of the Children and Young People Select Committee in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services.
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