Councillor Halden, Portfolio Holder for Education and Health, presented his Portfolio Holder report and stated that it was an honour and a pleasure to be presenting his third portfolio holder report. Councillor Halden updated Members on following achievements:

•           That investment had been secured to build around 3,500 school places.

•           That more children than before got their first choice of school.

•           That the number of General Practitioners rated as good had improved from 2 in 2016 to 21 today.

•           That the Children Service Reform had saved the Council millions of pounds.

•           That the increase of eligible children for this service had risen by 6%.

•           That the number of sessions delivered by Children’s Services had increased by 34%.

•           That young care leavers had been taken out of paying council tax.

•           That the Tilbury Medical Centre and Harris Riverside Free School Projects had been saved.

•           That 94% of Thurrock schools are rated as either good or outstanding.

•           That £150 million had been invested on new education and health estates.

•           That Thurrock now had an amazing foundation to build on.

•           That the Mental Health Summit had been strengthened by schools and health providers, with Thurrock launching a brand new and national approach to strengthen mental health within Thurrock schools.

•           That the Council would completely rebuild the Pioneer School in Purfleet.

•           That the number of Integrated Medical Centres would increase.

Councillor Gerrish thanked the Portfolio Holder for his report and agreed with the required continued improvements to schools in Thurrock. Councillor Gerrish stated that the Portfolio Holder’s report made no reference to any education overspend. Councillor Halden stated that the inherited overspend Dedicated Schools Grant had now been closed and that funding in schools was up £3.4 million and that £70 million would be spent building brand new estates. Councillor Halden stated that the Administration would heavily invest in the future.

Councillor Spillman asked the Portfolio Holder to name three things in his portfolio that had not gone well and what the plans were going forward. Councillor Halden stated that building the four integrated medical centres had taken more time than expected and that two planning applications were soon to be processed. That there was no perfect model for mental health and a new initiative would be launched in schools. The Administration was reflective and intervened on issues and that was demonstrated where matters were being dealt with in all party wards.

Councillor Kerin thanked the Portfolio Holder for his report and the good number of good or outstanding schools in the borough and questioned whether an impact assessment had been made with regard to grammar schools in the borough and what effect this would make on existing schools in the borough. Councillor Halden stated that work continued to build more school places which was a great foundation to build on. Councillor Halden also stated he was pro-grammar schools and was adamant that the Administration would receive a good part of the £50 million to be used to expand grammar schools and stated that a working relationship with a Grammar School in Essex would shortly commence.

Councillor Okunade thanked the Portfolio Holder for his report and questioned whether the Council was adequately meeting the significant responsibility on supporting pupils who are permanently excluded. Councillor Halden stated that the number of fixed exclusions was down, in 2016 there were 450 where in 2011 it was 1000 pupils. That progress was being made in a tough situation with the Exclusions Units being created. There was no good reason why children at primary school age are permanently expelled and sent to other institutions.  Councillor Halden stated that children belonged in schools and that this was the model that was being worked on with schools.

Councillor Duffin asked the Portfolio Holder to get the Council to publically apologise for the confusion made in a recent press release that stated all rugby pitches and facilities would be retained by the Council.

Councillor Halden summed up by replying to Councillor Duffin stating that the Council was going into the formal consultation stage but the positives of the scheme had to be looked at. There would still be a great future for the Rugby Club but delays would not be accepted and that formal agreements could be made at the planning stage.

Councillor Halden stated that the Children Services Reform registration was up by 6%, that sessions provided was up by 36% and that out of the savings 100% had been achieved with no corporate complaints.

Councillor Halden stated that Members could contact him if there were any further questions.