To consider the final report and recommendations by the Independent Child Poverty Commission - Author Michelle Kennedy.

In this final report the Commission has made recommendations for those responsible for tackling child poverty across Torbay and highlights areas of work for the whole community.

(i)       That the Council adopt and endorse the recommendations set out in the Torbay Child Poverty Commission Final Report “Torbay Gains”, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(ii)      that an action plan be formulated which the Health and Wellbeing Board hold responsibility for its implementation;

(iii)      that the Child Poverty Commission be recalled on an annual basis to review progress and to hold the Health and Wellbeing Board to account; and

(iv)     that in light of the aspirations contained in the Torbay Child Poverty Commission “Torbay Gains” report, the Corporate Plan be revised to ensure that it aligns with the corporate elements of the report and a revised Corporate Plan be presented to the Council in September 2014.

To provide a basis for everyone who lives or works in Torbay to play a part in shaping the future and improving the opportunities and wellbeing of families and children in poverty.

Alternative options are set out in the submitted report.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Wednesday, 12 March 2014 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Torbay Council supported the Child Poverty Strategy “A Call for Action” in July 2012.  As a priority first step the Strategy proposed the establishment of an independent Commission to collect and hear evidence which would add new voices, experiences and to build upon the initial findings, needs assessment and actions.

The Commission is chaired by independent child poverty expert Michelle Kennedy, who has worked across government and with Local Authorities and partners to implement and support better outcomes for families in poverty.

It is hoped that this Final Report of the Commission will provide a basis for the leaders of Torbay and partners to play a part in shaping the future of the borough and improving the opportunities of some of the most disadvantaged families.  It is intended that Torbay Council through the Health and Wellbeing Board, will work with key partners such as the Mayor, Torbay Development Agency Community Development Trust and Clinical Commissioning Board to use the work of the Child Poverty Commission and its recommendations to inform their corporate planning and annual budget setting processes.

The Mayor supported the recommendations of the Council made on 27 February 2014, as set out in his decision above.

None