Issue - meetings

4.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval for the introduction of a Charging Policy to seek to recoup partial costs in defined circumstances when a child becomes Looked After at the request of parents.

4.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to approve the introduction of the Charging Policy set out in Appendix 1 to seek to recoup partial costs in defined circumstances when a child becomes Looked After at the request of parents.

Reason

Within a wider Council budget that is under pressure, the specific budget that supports the care of children who are Looked After continues to be very challenging. It is reasonable toexpect parents to contribute to the costs for their child to be cared for when they request itand if they can afford to do so. It encourages parents not to abdicate responsibility for theirchild and emphasises the importance of parents continuing to be involved in their child’s life. It is unlikely in reality, however, that this will generate much or any income but may act as a partial deterrent to those parents who could afford to contribute but are presently not expected to do so, or who are unwilling to do so.