Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 15, 2025

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.

Content: 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.