Member

As I have suggested, local authorities, which retain the responsibility for individual children here, must ascertain the wishes and feelings of a looked-after child before making a decision in relation to them. Of course, the challenge here is to make sure that, in ascertaining those wishes, it is not just about the very narrow options for placement—in some cases, there are practically no options for placement—that the current market has driven us to. It is about enabling a real choice for local authorities, children and young people about the range of appropriate placements that might be available for them. We are therefore confident that the views of children in care and previously looked-after children are already considered under this provision and, as I say, I will commit to ensuring that we make that a reality in the consultation.