To receive the outcomes and recommendations of the child exploitation task and finish group.

The committee considered a report by the chairperson of the child exploitation task and finish group which provided the outcomes and recommendations of the task and finish group.

The chairperson of the task and finish group introduced the report and advised of the purpose of the group, the meetings that had taken place and the witnesses that had been engaged. It was intended that the annual summit that was proposed in the recommendations should include town and parish councils.

In the discussion that followed the principal points below were raised:

·         If the child exploitation team had attended parish and town council meetings which was an intention outlined in the report. The ADS&FS explained that an update on attendance at parish and town council meetings would be provided.

·         It was queried whether the task and finish group had received details of ‘cuckooing’ in Herefordshire and the extent of trafficking locally. The chairperson of the task and finish group explained that the representative of West Mercia Police had briefed the group on cuckooing. Evidence suggested that child exploitation was not a significant problem in Herefordshire compared to other areas in the West Midlands. The ADS&FS explained that a prevent and disrupt group was in operation locally which would be able to provide detail of cuckooing and trafficking locally. A report from the group could be arranged for the committee to consider.

·         A briefing note was requested with figures of the current risk of child exploitation to vulnerable young people in Herefordshire.

Councillor Graham Andrews left the meeting at 3.01 p.m.

The cabinet member children and families explained that she was keen to involve parish councils and the wider communities and the notion of a parish summit to focus on child exploitation was a good idea. Work on transition from childhood to adulthood was recognised as a priority and was being taken forward.

The committee voted on the recommendations from the task and finish group in the published report and on recommendations proposed during the debate to: add an item to the work programme for a report from the prevent and disrupt group; and a briefing note on the current risk of child exploitation in Herefordshire. The recommendations and proposals were agreed. 

RESOLVED: That the committee agrees:

·         The report and recommendations of the child exploitation task and finish group be submitted to the executive;

·         The addition of a report from the prevent and disrupt group to the work programme of the committee; and

·         The circulation of a briefing note on the current risk of child exploitation in Herefordshire.