Issue - meetings

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to acknowledge the work to date and agree to the new date of August 2021 for the reinstatement and implementation of 1140 hours of ELC provision;

(ii)       to note that service updates would be regularly circulated to Members to advise of ongoing works to support the delivery of ELC expansion; and

(iii)      to request that a service update be circulated meantime to Members to advise whether the 23 remaining capital projects were still on budget and on schedule for completion by August.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Operating Officer which provided an update on the reinstatement of the statutory duty on Local Authorities to provide 1140 hours per annum of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) to eligible 2-year olds and all 3 and 4 year old children from August 2021.  The report further sought to provide assurance around the ongoing works to support the delivery of ELC expansion and meet the implementation date of August 2021.

The report recommended:-

that Committee –

(a)      acknowledge the work to date and agree to the new date of August 2021 for the reinstatement and implementation of 1140 hours of ELC provision; and

(b)      note that service updates would be regularly circulated to Members to advise of ongoing works to support the delivery of ELC expansion.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Bell, moved the recommendations as set out in the report.

Councillor Mennie, seconded by Councillor Cameron, moved as an amendment:-

That Committee:-

(i)       approve recommendations (a) and (b); and

(ii)       welcome the multi-year funding package from the Scottish Government to fully fund this expansion of Early Learning Provision.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (9) – the Convener; the Vice Convener; Councillors Bell, Lesley Dunbar, Imrie, Macdonald and Stewart; and Reverend Shuna Dicks and Mr Rick Sansom; for the amendment (6) – Councillors Alphonse, Cameron, Hutchison, MacGregor and Mennie; and Mrs Tracey Blackie; declined to vote (4) – Councillor Greig; and Mr John Murray, Mr Mike Paul and Miss Pamela Scott.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to request that a service update be circulated meantime to Members to advise whether the 23 remaining capital projects were still on budget and on schedule for completion by August 2021;  and

(ii)       to approve the motion.