Issue - meetings

To endorse outline proposals for Gloucestershire County Council, along with 5 other councils, (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire), to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), and to approve public engagement and consultation on the outline proposals.

Cllr Paul McLain, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Strategic Commissioning, sought to endorse outline proposals for Gloucestershire County Council, along with 5 other councils, to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), and to approve public engagement and consultation.

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Agree to support proposals for Gloucestershire County Council to join with Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire councils to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency, and

2)    Approve public engagement and consultation on the proposals outlined in the published decision report

Cllr Paul McLain, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Strategic Commissioning, presented proposals for Gloucestershire County Council, (along with 5 other councils), to participate in the development of the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency (RAA). In doing so, the cabinet member to also seek approval for public engagement and consultation.

Cllr McLain informed members that ‘to do nothing’ (Option 1), was not an option. Stipulated by new government policy, Cllr McLain believed Option 2, (to proceed with Adoption West plans and consult on the proposals), offered the council more opportunities and significant benefits from its participation in the development of a regional adoption agency.

Commending the high performance of the adoption team at Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr McLain believed the proposal afforded the council sufficient scope and flexibility from which to maintain current good practice.

It was suggested the 10 week consultation commence as quickly as possible, commencing on 25 July 2016 and ending in October. 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals and the reasons for the recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and, 

RESOLVED to: -

1)    Agree to support proposals for Gloucestershire County Council to join with Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire councils to develop the Adoption West Regional Adoption Agency, and

2)    Approve public engagement and consultation on the proposals outlined in the published decision report