Yvette Stanley introduced the report and highlighted to Members that:

·                     Two recent school inspections results would be included in the next update report to the Panel;

·                     That information on summer born children had been attached and that some parents have agreed to defer entry to school in the September term;

·                     Tower Hamlets have located over 70 families within the borough, in temporary accommodation, as they have purchased Vantage House in Wimbledon

·                     Crèche provision is being developed for under 5’s and pregnant mums

Members asked about Vantage House and what responsibilities the council had to the 70 families placed in temporary accommodation in the borough by Tower Hamlets. Yvette Stanley confirmed that Tower Hamlets had explained that they will provide permanent accommodation when it becomes available. In the meantime Merton has a duty to provide services for the children and families and have spoken to the Leader of Tower Hamlets Council with a view to agreeing how these services might be financed or jointly supported.

Councillor Linda Taylor added that in her view the building is not suitable for families and that the leader of the Conservative Party in Merton, Councillor Oonagh Moulton, has written to Tower Hamlets Council to discuss this.

Councillor Maxi Martin explained that the Council are working with the local mosques to try and support these families, as a number of them are Muslim and do not have English as a second language, if at all. This is one way of providing a network to the families that have been displaced from their local communities and support.

Paul Angeli added that the council has a duty to provide social care services to these families.

Councillor Dennis Pearce asked about the likely impact on the mental health of young people in the families that have been moved to Vantage House on short term placements and the inevitable lack of stability for young people during this time. Yvette Stanley explained that a high churn of families in and out of temporary accommodation at Vantage House was not expected. Merton will work constructively with Tower Hamlets to get the best support for the families.

Councillor Charlie Chirico asked about victims of domestic violence within these families and how the council will support them as they will be isolated and have no family connections. Yvette Stanley informed the Panel that health visitors are going to Vantage House, 3 days a week, and providing intensive support. The early years service is also providing under fives drop in sessions for  these families and there is an ongoing dialogue with the mosque and voluntary sector about how best to support people suffering or at risk of domestic violence.

Councillor Maxi Martin added that the Leader had met with the Leader of Tower Hamlets council to address some of these issues.

Councillor Katy Neep highlighted the need for the council to ensure that other properties could not be purchased by London boroughs that will then simply be converted to temporary accommodation and place pressure on already strained resources and services for Merton.

Yvette Stanley explained that the council are taking part in discussions about this at London Councils and that a protocol is in place so that the borough, in which the property is located, cannot be outbid by a neighbouring borough when seeking to purchase that property.

Councillor Jeff Hanna enquired about free school meals and about the loss of pupil premium to the council from 1000 children being removed from the free school meals register. Yvette Stanley explained that there is still a commitment from government to providing free school meals, but that the changes to welfare and benefits are making it harder for parents and children coming into the system. The pupils that have been removed from the register are no longer entitled.

Councillor Charlie Chirico asked about the number of refugees Merton was planning to accommodate. Yvette Stanley explained that this was being led by the Mayor’s Office and London Councils who will provide a coordinated response on behalf of all London boroughs.  There is no vacant accommodation in Merton at present and therefore those received would have to be placed in temporary accommodation. Some residents in some boroughs have also offered up second homes and wherever placed, that borough would take on the associated service delivery.

Councillor James Holmes proposed that the Panel look at raising the participation age at a future Panel meeting. Yvette Stanley added that this could be provided in the update report that would be received by the Panel at their January 2015 meeting.

RESOLVED:

Panel noted the report.

Panel agreed to email to the Leader of the Council supporting his conversations with Tower Hamlets Council and London Councils and asking for an update as appropriate.