At a full council meeting on 26 June, councillors unanimously backed a motion that reaffirms the Council’s role as a corporate parent. The motion outlines a clear commitment to providing stable, loving, and supportive homes for children, while also tackling challenges such as the rising costs and reliance on private care providers.

The Council has pledged to:

– Invest further in internal care provision, including buying properties to develop council-run children’s homes
– Enhance the fostering offer to help attract and retain foster carers
– Support capital projects that deliver long-term savings and better outcomes for young people
– Raise awareness of its Belonging Charter through training for councillors and planning officers
– Work with planning committees to help providers understand how the Charter applies in practice

These actions reflect a continued focus on improving the lives of children in care and ensuring that local provision remains at the centre of West Northants Council’s approach.