Decision

The Children and Education Scrutiny Committee RESOLVED to convey to the Executive the following recommendations:

1. That Executive supports continued exploration of the South West Regional Care Cooperative, recognising the potential benefits of regional collaboration and collective commissioning.
2. That Executive ensures clear governance arrangements are established, setting out decision-making responsibilities, accountability and dispute resolution processes.
3. That Executive ensures Somerset’s statutory responsibilities and corporate parenting duties remain clearly defined and protected within any regional arrangements.
4. That Officers provide greater clarity regarding financial implications, funding arrangements, workforce requirements and anticipated benefits before any formal commitment is made.
5. That Officers ensure appropriate democratic accountability and scrutiny arrangements are established to enable effective member oversight of the Cooperative.
6. That Officers seek assurance that local provision, including Homes and Horizons and other Somerset-based services, will not be adversely affected by participation in regional arrangements.
7. That Officers provide further reports to Scrutiny as proposals develop, including details of governance, risks, performance measures and implementation plans.