Councillor Mrs Beer, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People introduced the report.

Alison Botham, Assistant Director for Children’s Social Care, provided Cabinet with information on the process of due diligence. Following a short debate the Cabinet agreed –

1.    to progress the development of a contractual arrangement with Torbay Council to manage its Children’s Services, working with Torbay Council and the Commissioner for Children’s Services and under the guidance of the Department for Education to develop a detailed contract agreement.

2.    To delegate to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader and the Leader of the Opposition the development of the detailed contractual agreement.

3.    Recognises this opportunity to demonstrate strong sector-led leadership in the management of Children’s Services in Torbay.

4.    Recommends that Full Council endorse the Cabinet’s decision to enter into a formal contractual arrangement for Plymouth City Council to manage Torbay Council’s Children’s Services with effect from 1 April 2018.