Purpose

To consider approving a contribution of
£250k from Milton Keynes City Council over a three-year
period, to establish a Regional Care Cooperative formed of 16 local
authorities. The overarching purpose of the RCC is to increase the
number and quality of care placements available for children in the
region and shape the market to provide more appropriate placements
locally, thus improving children’s experiences of
care.

Content

1.         That the
proposed scope and purpose of the South
East Regional Care Cooperative (RCC) be noted, and the
Council’s participation in the RCC, be agreed, subject to
satisfactory governance arrangements being finalised for the RCC delivery model.

2.         That the
South East Regional Care Cooperative
(RCC) Funding Agreement (attached as an Annex), reflecting the
Council’s contribution of £250k over three years
towards the operations of the RCC, be approved.

3.         That
authority be delegated to the Director of Children’s
Services, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Children and
Young People, to finalise and enter
into relevant agreements arising from the Council’s
participation in the RCC Pathfinder project.