URL: https://democracy.westlancs.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=598

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The following Motion was moved and seconded:   "Council notes that: National reporting has identified approximately 680 unregulated or illegal children’s care settings across England and Wales, with a reported 669 children living in such placements, raising significant safeguarding concerns. Unregulated settings operate outside the regulatory framework of Ofsted, meaning children may not receive the protections afforded within registered provision. Lancashire has one of the highest concentrations of children’s homes in England, placing additional pressure on local placement sufficiency and oversight. The use of unregulated provision is widely recognised as a risk factor for vulnerable children, particularly those with complex needs.   Council further notes: That responsibility for children’s social care sits with Lancashire County Council, but that placement locations within borough boundaries have direct implications for community safety, safeguarding, and local services within West Lancashire. Council resolves to: Request formally that Lancashire County Council provide a full breakdown of: ·       The number of unregulated or unregistered children’s care settings operating within West Lancashire.   ·       The number of children placed in such settings within the borough.   ·       The safeguarding and monitoring arrangements in place   2.   Seek assurance from Lancashire County Council that all children placed within West Lancashire are appropriately safeguarded and that any unregulated provision is subject to robust oversight.   3.   Write to the Department for Education expressing concern regarding the national increase in unregulated placements and requesting clarity on actions being taken to reduce reliance on such provision.   4.   Request a briefing for elected members on the local impact of unregulated children’s care provision, including risks, trends, and partnership working arrangements.   5.  Commit to reviewing the council’s role, in partnership with relevant agencies, in supporting safeguarding and community awareness where such settings are located within the borough."   A vote was taken, the Motion was CARRIED.   RESOLVED:   A.    That it be noted that:   1)    National reporting has identified approximately 680 unregulated or illegal children’s care settings across England and Wales, with a reported 669 children living in such placements, raising significant safeguarding concerns. 2)    Unregulated settings operate outside the regulatory framework of Ofsted, meaning children may not receive the protections afforded within registered provision. 3)    Lancashire has one of the highest concentrations of children’s homes in England, placing additional pressure on local placement sufficiency and oversight. 4)    The use of unregulated provision is widely recognised as a risk factor for vulnerable children, particularly those with complex needs.   B.    That it be noted that responsibility for children’s social care sits with Lancashire County Council, but that placement locations within borough boundaries have direct implications for community safety, safeguarding, and local services within West Lancashire. C. That Council resolves to: 1)    Request formally that Lancashire County Council provide a full breakdown of:   (i)    The number of unregulated or unregistered children’s care settings operating within West Lancashire.   (ii)   The number of children placed in such settings within the borough.   (iii)The safeguarding and monitoring arrangements in place   2)    Seek assurance from Lancashire County Council that all children placed within West Lancashire are appropriately safeguarded and that any unregulated provision is subject to robust oversight.   3)    Write to the Department for Education expressing concern regarding the national increase in unregulated placements and requesting clarity on actions being taken to reduce reliance on such provision.   4)    Request a briefing for elected members on the local impact of unregulated children’s care provision, including risks, trends, and partnership working arrangements.   5)    Commit to reviewing the council’s role, in partnership with relevant agencies, in supporting safeguarding and community awareness where such settings are located within the borough.  

Date of Decision: April 15, 2026