ICS: Funding and implementation

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This page contains resources which explain the requirements and the capital grant regime, which support the implementation and funding of the Integrated Children's System (ICS).

Implementation

In November 2006 we sent a letter summarising the findings and conclusions from the readiness review of LAs' ICS implementation. It confirms the target implementation date of 1 January 2007, but recognises that some authorities will implement the system later than this.

The letter announces a revised approach to the post-implementation phase of ICS, and responds to concerns about the implications of delay for ICS capital grant to authorities. It also recognises the need to join up IT-enabled initiatives in the Every Child Matters programme.

Download the letter to LAs on the ICS readiness review.

Requirements

Integrated Children's System Phase 1B Business Requirements Specification - This document sets out the requirements for phase 1b of the Integrated Children's System. It also includes details of the tests for self assessment so that local authorities and suppliers can assess their compliance with these requirements. Download the phase 1B requirements.
ICS Minimum Compliance Criteria - These criteria have been drawn up to assess the compliance with with the business requirements set out in Local Authority Circular (2005) 3 so that local authorities, ICS product suppliers and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (formerly DfES) can make an impartial review of implementation progress. Download the compliance criteria.
Local Authority Circular (2005) 3 - Integrated Children's System: A Statement of Business Requirements - A circular setting out the business requirements for local implementation of the Integrated Children's System with effect from 1 January 2007. Download Local Authority Circular (2005) 3.

Capital grant

2007-08

LAC (2003080002) - Integrated Children's System (ICS) Capital Grant 2007-08 - This circular sets out the conditions of, and guidance on, the ICS capital grant 2007-08. It includes local authorities' allocations from grant, and arrangements and timetable for payment, reporting, audit and repayment of grant. A Final Statement Certificate for the ICS grant is attached to the circular at Annex C.
ICS 2007-08 Funding Q&A

2006-07

Local Authority Circular (2007)SCYPG07_10 - Integrated Children's System: Revised Conditions of Grant for 2006-07 - This circular sets out the revised conditions for the ICS capital grant 2006-07. These conditions supersede those in LAC(SC06_2). Download Local Authority Circular (SCYPG07_10).
Local Authority Circular (2006)SC06_2 - Conditions of Grant and Guidance - This circular includes the conditions of ICS Grant 2006-07, and also local authorities' allocations for Phase 1 and Phase 2. Please note: since the publication of circular LAC(SC06_2), the grant conditions for the ICS have been revised. Please refer to LAC(SCYPG07_10) for these conditions. Download Local Authority Circular (2006)SC06_2.
Local Authority Children's Services Letter (2005)4 - Local Authority Children's Services Funding 2006-07 and 2007-08 - This letter sets out the main aspects of the local government finance settlement for 2006-07 and the provisional settlement for 2007-08. Both are relevant to the funding provided for children's services, and include the ICS Grant for 2006-07and 2007-08. Download Local Authority Children's Services Letter (2005) 4.

2005-06

Local Authority Circular (2006)3 Children's Services Grants 2005-06: Auditor Certification Arrangements - Updated 21 July - A circular that includes the auditor certification arrangements for the ICS Grant 2005-06, to be read in conjunction with LAC(2005)6 below. Please note that the certification arrangements and the certificate for the grant have been revised. This current circular replaces the version of LAC (2005) 6 which was issued in February. Download Local Authority Circular (2006) 3.
Local Authority Circular (2005) 6 - Children's Services Grants 2005-06 - A circular giving guidance for Children's Services Grants 2005-06 including the second tranche of the ICS capital grant. Download Local Authority Circular (2005) 6.
Determination of the Children's Services Grant 2005-06 - A document accompanying Local Authority Circular (2005) 6, which gives each authority's grant allocations and the conditions for expenditure including the second tranche of the ICS capital. Download the Determination of the Children's Services Grant.