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, 21st January 2026
10:00 AM
Wednesday, 21st January 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Wednesday, 21st January 2026
2:00 PM
Wednesday, 21st January 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
21 Jan 2026
21 Jan 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Councillor Jackie Branson
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Ann Briggs
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Jonathan Glen
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Arun Mummalaneni
Absent
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Tim Davies
Present, as substitute
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Lance Quantrill
Not required
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Keith Mans
Not required
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
Co-opted Member
Robert Sanders
Church of England Schools Representative
Absent
Co-opted Member
Christie Franklin
Parent Governor for Special Schools
Absent
Vice-Chairman
Councillor Phil North
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Pamela Bryant
Apologies, sent representative
Labour Spokesperson
Councillor Jacky Tustain
Present, as expected
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Andrew Joy
Not required
Independent Group Spokesperson
Vice Chairman of the Council
Committee Member
Independent Group Deputy
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Co-opted Member
Catholic Schools Representative - Vacancy
Catholic Schools Representative
Expected
Co-opted Member
Kirsty Whitty
Parent Governor for Primary Schools
Apologies
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Christopher Donnelly
Not required
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Parker-Jones, Bryant and Porter and from Rick Mounfield and Kirsty Whitty.
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.
No declarations were made.
No declarations were made.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 15102025 1000 Children and Young People Select Committee 13 Jan 2026
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 updated the Committee on her recent visit to the Multi?Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which she described as an exceptionally valuable and insightful experience. The Chairman reported that the volume of referrals received by the MASH remained significant and that staff were pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate their work. The Chairman encouraged Members to visit.
The Chairman also reflected on the previous Select Committee meeting and specific concerns raised around long waits for CAMHS and SEND NHS services. Members noted that targeted work had since taken place between the County Council and the NHS ICB which would lead to a joint presentation to the Select Committee. This presentation would include the relevant senior ICB representatives to ensure that the Committee’s concerns were fully addressed.
The Chairman also reflected on the previous Select Committee meeting and specific concerns raised around long waits for CAMHS and SEND NHS services. Members noted that targeted work had since taken place between the County Council and the NHS ICB which would lead to a joint presentation to the Select Committee. This presentation would include the relevant senior ICB representatives to ensure that the Committee’s concerns were fully addressed.
6
2026/27 Revenue Budget and Savings Report for Children's Services
To pre-scrutinise the proposed 2026/27 budget for Children’s Services and the proposed Saving Proposals 2026 (SP26) savings ahead of consideration by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.
Attachments:
- Document Cover report - Agenda Item 6 13 Jan 2026
- Document Executive Member report 13 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 5 - EIA1040 - SP26 - School Transport Invest to Save 13 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 5 - EIA1064 -SP26 - Learning & Development Restructure 13 Jan 2026
- Document Item 6 - presentation 13 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee pre-scrutinised the proposals for the 2026/27 budget for Children’s Services and proposed Savings Proposals 2026.
Members were informed that, compared with previous years, the budget position was relatively stable, with fewer major changes. The Director explained that the anticipated budget gap for 2026/27 had reduced following the Local Government Finance Settlement, although a significant shortfall remained.
The Committee was advised that the Directorate had delivered substantial efficiencies during the current financial year, including lower than previously forecast expenditure on school transport and social worker staffing, the latter due to recruitment. Growth pressures remained, particularly for Children Looked After (CLA) and SEND services; however, the overall increase in the Children’s Services budget was lower than previously expected.
Members were informed that the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) continued to rise sharply, now approaching 21,000 across Hampshire. The Director emphasised the national scale of this issue and the need for the Government’s forthcoming SEND White Paper to deliver long?term solutions.
During the discussion, Members raised concerns about the profits made by private providers of children’s residential care and independent special schools. The Director reiterated his view that the current market allowed excessive profit?making at the expense of vulnerable children. The Committee agreed that they should write to Government and local MPs to raise these concerns.
The Committee further discussed workforce pressures, the use of personal transport budgets, the impact of efficiency measures on staff, and the need for improved collaboration with the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Members also raised issues relating to local government reorganisation (LGR), particularly the future protection of CLA during any transition.
RESOLVED:
i. That Councillors individually write to their Member of Parliament to raise awareness of profiteering by private providers of children’s residential care.
ii. That the Children and Young People Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services as set out below:
That the Executive Lead Member approves for submission to the Leader and Cabinet:
· The revised 2025/26 budget and proposed 2026/27 budget for Children’s Services as set out in Appendix 1 and 2.
· The officer proposed SP26 savings as set out in Appendix 3.
· Changes to the local schools funding as set out paragraphs 102 to 105.
· The proposed fees and charges as set out in Appendix 4.
Members were informed that, compared with previous years, the budget position was relatively stable, with fewer major changes. The Director explained that the anticipated budget gap for 2026/27 had reduced following the Local Government Finance Settlement, although a significant shortfall remained.
The Committee was advised that the Directorate had delivered substantial efficiencies during the current financial year, including lower than previously forecast expenditure on school transport and social worker staffing, the latter due to recruitment. Growth pressures remained, particularly for Children Looked After (CLA) and SEND services; however, the overall increase in the Children’s Services budget was lower than previously expected.
Members were informed that the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) continued to rise sharply, now approaching 21,000 across Hampshire. The Director emphasised the national scale of this issue and the need for the Government’s forthcoming SEND White Paper to deliver long?term solutions.
During the discussion, Members raised concerns about the profits made by private providers of children’s residential care and independent special schools. The Director reiterated his view that the current market allowed excessive profit?making at the expense of vulnerable children. The Committee agreed that they should write to Government and local MPs to raise these concerns.
The Committee further discussed workforce pressures, the use of personal transport budgets, the impact of efficiency measures on staff, and the need for improved collaboration with the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Members also raised issues relating to local government reorganisation (LGR), particularly the future protection of CLA during any transition.
RESOLVED:
i. That Councillors individually write to their Member of Parliament to raise awareness of profiteering by private providers of children’s residential care.
ii. That the Children and Young People Select Committee supports the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services as set out below:
That the Executive Lead Member approves for submission to the Leader and Cabinet:
· The revised 2025/26 budget and proposed 2026/27 budget for Children’s Services as set out in Appendix 1 and 2.
· The officer proposed SP26 savings as set out in Appendix 3.
· Changes to the local schools funding as set out paragraphs 102 to 105.
· The proposed fees and charges as set out in Appendix 4.
7
Children's Services Capital Programme 2026/27 - 2028/29
To pre-scrutinise the proposed Children’s Services Capital Programme for 2026/27, the provisional Capital Programme for 2027/28 and 2028/29, and the revised Capital Programme for 2025/26 ahead of a decision by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.
Attachments:
- Document Cover report - Agenda Item 7 13 Jan 2026
- Document Executive Member report 13 Jan 2026
- Document Capital Programme Report Appendix 1 13 Jan 2026
- Document Capital Programme Report Appendix 2 13 Jan 2026
- Document Capital Programme Report Appendix 3 13 Jan 2026
- Document Capital Programme Report Appendix 4 13 Jan 2026
- Document Capital Programme Report Appendix 5 13 Jan 2026
- Document Capital Programme Report Appendix 6 13 Jan 2026
- Document Capital Programme Report Appendix 7 13 Jan 2026
- Document Item 7 - presentation 13 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee pre-scrutinised the proposed Children’s Services Capital Programme for 2026/27, the provisional Capital Programme for 2027/28 and 2028/29, and the revised Capital Programme for 2025/26.
It was noted that the programme remained one of the largest in the country, with significant investment planned to deliver new school places, expand SEND provision, maintain existing buildings and support social care infrastructure.
Members were advised that declining birth rates were creating surplus capacity in some primary schools, resulting in the need for careful management of school places, including possible amalgamations. At the same time, new housing developments continued to require new schools or expansions in other areas. The Committee heard that developers’ contributions remained critical to funding new school infrastructure and that Hampshire continued to be highly effective in securing such contributions.
The Director presented updates on major projects, including new special schools, resource provision expansions, modular classroom installations and the proposed redevelopment of Swanwick Lodge into a modern secure children’s home.
Members questioned forecasting methods, the impact of falling birth rates, the effect of private school fee changes, and the approach to safeguarding future school sites through local plans. Local matters, including the future of specific sites in Andover and Basingstoke, were also raised.
The Committee expressed strong support for the programme and endorsed the recommendations as below.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommends to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services to:
· Approve for submission to the Leader and Cabinet of the proposed Capital Programme for 2026/27 and the provisional Capital Programme for 2027/28 and 2028/29 and the revised Capital Programme for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1. The funding for the programme is detailed in Appendix 2.
· Grant approval to the Director of Children’s Services to determine those sites that require modular buildings for the 2026/27 academic year and that the sites listed in Appendix 3 be approved.
· Grant approval to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £1.1m of identified Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue funding to support the short-term hire and relocation of existing buildings between school sites. It is also recommended that approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £2m of Basic Need Grant and £3.05m of High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant to those sites identified as requiring the purchase of modular buildings.
· Grant approval to the Director of Children’s Services in discussion
with the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services to undertake all consultations linked to projects listed in this report.
· Approve the Supporting Inclusion in Schools projects listed in Appendix 4.
· Note the projects approved under delegated powers by the Director of
Children’s Services in Appendix 5.
· Note the School Places Plan at Appendix 6.
· Approve the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schemes funded by the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant in Appendix 7.
It was noted that the programme remained one of the largest in the country, with significant investment planned to deliver new school places, expand SEND provision, maintain existing buildings and support social care infrastructure.
Members were advised that declining birth rates were creating surplus capacity in some primary schools, resulting in the need for careful management of school places, including possible amalgamations. At the same time, new housing developments continued to require new schools or expansions in other areas. The Committee heard that developers’ contributions remained critical to funding new school infrastructure and that Hampshire continued to be highly effective in securing such contributions.
The Director presented updates on major projects, including new special schools, resource provision expansions, modular classroom installations and the proposed redevelopment of Swanwick Lodge into a modern secure children’s home.
Members questioned forecasting methods, the impact of falling birth rates, the effect of private school fee changes, and the approach to safeguarding future school sites through local plans. Local matters, including the future of specific sites in Andover and Basingstoke, were also raised.
The Committee expressed strong support for the programme and endorsed the recommendations as below.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommends to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services to:
· Approve for submission to the Leader and Cabinet of the proposed Capital Programme for 2026/27 and the provisional Capital Programme for 2027/28 and 2028/29 and the revised Capital Programme for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1. The funding for the programme is detailed in Appendix 2.
· Grant approval to the Director of Children’s Services to determine those sites that require modular buildings for the 2026/27 academic year and that the sites listed in Appendix 3 be approved.
· Grant approval to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £1.1m of identified Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue funding to support the short-term hire and relocation of existing buildings between school sites. It is also recommended that approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £2m of Basic Need Grant and £3.05m of High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant to those sites identified as requiring the purchase of modular buildings.
· Grant approval to the Director of Children’s Services in discussion
with the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services to undertake all consultations linked to projects listed in this report.
· Approve the Supporting Inclusion in Schools projects listed in Appendix 4.
· Note the projects approved under delegated powers by the Director of
Children’s Services in Appendix 5.
· Note the School Places Plan at Appendix 6.
· Approve the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schemes funded by the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant in Appendix 7.
8
Adopt South - Annual Report 2024-2025 with Hampshire County Council Highlights
To outline the activity of Adopt South, the Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Authorities for the financial year 2024-2025.
Attachments:
- Document HCC Select - Adopt South Annual Report - 2024-2025 13 Jan 2026
- Document Item 8 - presentation 13 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee received the annual report with an overview of the activity of Adopt South, the Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Authorities for the financial year 2024-2025.
The report set out the agency’s activity and performance during its sixth year of operation. Members were informed that Adopt South continued to achieve strong outcomes for children despite the national shortage of adopters. Although initial enquiries had reduced slightly, the number of adopters approved had increased, providing greater choice and enabling timely family finding.
The Committee heard that Adopt South remained one of the top?performing regional adoption agencies nationally, with very low numbers of children waiting without potential links. The agency continued to achieve timescales below Government thresholds and maintained minimal reliance on external placements, thereby avoiding significant inter?agency costs.
Members were updated on developments in adoption support, including a growing demand for post?adoption assistance, the expansion of workshops and family events, and the establishment of a dedicated “keeping in touch” service to modernise contact arrangements through digital platforms. The agency also continued to provide services to adopted adults seeking information or reconnection with their birth families.
Members commended the service for its strong performance, leadership and child?focused practice, noting the clear benefits for some of the county’s most vulnerable children. The Committee welcomed opportunities to support ongoing recruitment activity by raising awareness locally.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee notes the contents
of the Adopt South Annual Report for 2024-2025.
The report set out the agency’s activity and performance during its sixth year of operation. Members were informed that Adopt South continued to achieve strong outcomes for children despite the national shortage of adopters. Although initial enquiries had reduced slightly, the number of adopters approved had increased, providing greater choice and enabling timely family finding.
The Committee heard that Adopt South remained one of the top?performing regional adoption agencies nationally, with very low numbers of children waiting without potential links. The agency continued to achieve timescales below Government thresholds and maintained minimal reliance on external placements, thereby avoiding significant inter?agency costs.
Members were updated on developments in adoption support, including a growing demand for post?adoption assistance, the expansion of workshops and family events, and the establishment of a dedicated “keeping in touch” service to modernise contact arrangements through digital platforms. The agency also continued to provide services to adopted adults seeking information or reconnection with their birth families.
Members commended the service for its strong performance, leadership and child?focused practice, noting the clear benefits for some of the county’s most vulnerable children. The Committee welcomed opportunities to support ongoing recruitment activity by raising awareness locally.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee notes the contents
of the Adopt South Annual Report for 2024-2025.
9
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 13 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Committee reviewed the Work Programme.
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.
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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