URL: https://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2613

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek approval for Gloucestershire County Council to accept and approve the use of the Best Start Family Hubs grant during the period 2026–2029, as allocated by the Department for Education (DfE) and to approve the arrangements for delivering the programme in line with national requirements and the Gloucestershire Best Start in Life Strategy  

Content: To seek approval for Gloucestershire County Council to accept and approve the use of the Best Start Family Hubs grant during the period 2026–2029, as allocated by the Department for Education (DfE) and to approve the arrangements for delivering the programme in line with national requirements and the Gloucestershire Best Start in Life Strategy   Cllr Linda Cohen and Cllr Ben Evans sought Cabinet approval for Gloucestershire County Council to accept and approve the use of the Best Start Family Hubs grant during the period 2026–2029, as allocated by the Department for Education (DfE) and to approve the arrangements for delivering the programme in line with national requirements and the Gloucestershire Best Start in Life Strategy.   Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and   RESOLVED to:     1.              Approve the acceptance of Best Start in Life (BSiL) Delivery Grant funding of £3,649,600 from the Department for Education (for the purpose of funding activity that is intended to deliver the intention of the Best Start Strategy and as required to achieve the targets set by DFE, as described in Recommendation 2 below) during the period April 2026 to March 2029.   2.              Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, to:   a)    Develop, approve and publish a BSiL local plan and allocate grant funding to deliver the child and parent/family support services as set out within in the Government Best Start strategy, between April 2026 and March 2029 in accordance with the DfE’s Best Start grant conditions and   b)    Determine whether these services should be delivered by GCC or procured from third party providers and, if  appropriate, to procure and award as many contracts as may be required.   c)     Review BSiL local plan annually, making amendments relevant to changing need, reflected in needs assessment,   If it is determined that the above support services will be procured from third party service suppliers, they shall be procured in accordance with public procurement legislation. Should any individual contract exceed £500,000, a further key decision will be sought

Date of Decision: March 18, 2026