Member

Amendment 117B, in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Cash, states that the introduction of regional care co-operatives does not affect local authorities’ duties under the Children Act 1989. I just want to reassure the noble Baroness and reiterate again that nothing in this measure alters the duties placed on local authorities in that Act. As I said earlier, the role of regional care co-operatives is about assisting local authorities by analysing future accommodation needs, publishing sufficiency strategies, recruiting and supporting foster parents and commissioning care places for looked-after children.