Council raises concerns about Children’s Bill consultation

Concerns have been raised by Members of the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee regarding the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill which the Scottish Government called for views on by close of mid-August this year.

Councillors have considered a report on the Council’s response to the Scottish Government which closes with The Highland Council’s view that:

“…consistent with the view of Social Work Scotland there has been insufficient consultation with professional bodies prior to publication of the Bill. As a result, the Bill, whilst commendable in its aspirations, seems somewhat unrealistic coupled with concerns surrounding the financial forecasting.”

While the report stated that Highland Council is “committed to further work with the Scottish Government to ensure this Bill keeps the voices of care experienced children, young people, and adults at its heart”, Chair of the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr David Fraser reflected on Members’ concerns, he said:

“I am concerned about the timing of the consultation on the Bill which took place mainly over the summer recess.

“While I am grateful to officers for producing the response to the Scottish Government, I remain concerned that implementation of the Bill will require proper resources for additional expenses that we have not budgeted for.

“Further engagement will be required with the relevant organisations in Highland that deliver and support Children’s Services to consider whether the requirements of the Bill can be properly resourced.  And if that is not possible, then we may need to further consider pulling resources for existing services and re-prioritise to meet the Bill’s requirements.”

Members agreed to homologate the consultation response to Scottish Government and agreed that the Council will continue to engage with all opportunities to inform the Bill’s development as it progresses through Parliament.

A copy of the report and response to the Scottish Government can be viewed on the Council’s website here.