Purpose

Bracknell Forest Council and its partners
recognise the need for a clear strategic vision to drive and shape
the prevention and response to exploitation of people of all ages.
It is vital that we undertake a public consultation to provide
opportunities for feedback to those who will benefit from or who
have a stake in this important area of work. A public consultation
will ensure that the strategy is supported by those who have
experienced exploitation and the wider community.

Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the
proposed consultation plan to enable young
people, adults, families, as well as the
general public to provide their views on
the
strategy and action plan. Consultation
findings will be incorporated into the draft
strategy thereafter and then will be brought
back to Cabinet for approval and
adoption.

Reasons for the decision

i.      
The UK's Crime and Policing Bill 2024/25 introduces significant
measures to address various forms of exploitation, focusing
particularly on child criminal exploitation and the practice of
'cuckooing'.
 

ii.    
Bracknell Forest recognises that exploitation can occur across all
ages and this strategy and action plan acknowledges this and
introduces a focus on adult exploitation.
 

iii.   
It is widely accepted among CSPs that public consultation has
significant benefits – it confirms and challenges priorities,
identifies views in the local community that we may not be aware
of, provides alternative voices and has the benefit of encouraging
communication and co-operation between the partnership and the
public. It also ensures that a strategy is inclusive, effective,
ethical, and widely supported, which is essential for its
successful implementation.

Alternative options considered

Due to the recommendations, no alternative
options have been
considered.