Agenda item

Consider Motion by Councillor Anderson.  (Copy attached.)

         There had been circulated copies of a Motion by Councillor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Ramage, in the following terms, as amended:-

          “Protected Characteristics

          Scottish Borders Council agrees, Care experience be made a protected characteristic and accepts:

•          Despite the resilience of many care experienced people, society too often does not take their needs into account.

•          Care experienced people often face indirect discrimination and stigma across housing, health, education, relationships, employment and in the criminal justice system.

•          Care experienced people often face a postcode lottery of support Across the UK.  However, we acknowledge the significant efforts of Scottish Borders Council to ensure this is minimised. 

•          As corporate parents, Councillors have a collective responsibility for providing the best possible care and safeguarding for the children who are looked after by us as an authority.

•          All corporate parents should commit to acting as mentors, hearing the voices of looked after children and young people, and to consider their needs in any aspect of Council work. 

•          Councillors should be champions of our looked after children and challenge the negative attitudes and prejudice that exists in all aspects of society.

          Scottish Borders Council therefore RESOLVES:

1.         When making any decisions in relation to its policies, or formulating its Council Plan, that it recognises that Care Experienced people can and do face indirect and direct discrimination.

2.         That it reaffirms its commitment to recognise that Scottish Borders Council has a duty to put the needs of vulnerable people at the heart of decision-making through co-production and collaboration, building upon and underpinning “The Promise”.

3.         To formally call upon all other bodies to treat care experience as a Protected Characteristic until such time as it may be introduced by legislation.

4.         For the Council to continue to proactively seek out and listen to the voices of care experienced people when developing new policies based on their views.

5.         The Chief Social Work and Public Protection Officer brings a report to Full Council on the barriers care experienced adults face by 26 January 2023.

6.         The agreed Motion would take effect from the receipt of the above report on 26 January 2023, to acknowledge the time needed for Officers to enact the changes needed.

If the above report was later than 26 January 2023, that the Motion still takes effect from 26 January 2023.”

     Councillor Anderson spoke in support of his Motion.

     Councillor Jardine, seconded by Councillor C. Hamilton, moved as an amendment:-

     *That we take no further action at this time other than call for a report from the Director Social Work and Practice on the barriers faced by Care Experienced People and how the Council can address that.  This report should be brought to us on as soon as possible in 2023 and no further decisions should be taken on this matter until then.”

     Councillor Anderson agreed that he would accept the amendment on the basis that he had some involvement in the development of the report.

         DECISION

         AGREED that the Council take no further action at this time other than call for a report from the Director Social Work and Practice on the barriers faced by Care Experienced People and how the Council could address that.  The report should be brought to Council as soon as possible in 2023 and no further decisions should be taken on this matter until then.