To seek Executive approval to delegate authority to the Corporate Director – Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) to submit an Expression of Interest to the Department for Education to establish a Regional Care Cooperative (RCC).
The proposed RCC will align with the Department for Education’s national programme for commissioning and sufficiency of placements for looked-after children and will support regional collaboration across partner local authorities and agencies.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure/savings > £500,000;
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 23/04/2026
This decision will be taken under urgency procedures.
Reason for urgency:
The Department for Education application deadline is midday, 22 May 2026, requiring Executive approval ahead of the standard Forward Plan notice period
Decision due: 12 May 2026 by Executive
Lead member: Executive Member for Children & Families
Lead director: Corporate Director Children and Young People's Services
Contact: Jo Heaney Email: jo.heaney@northyorks.gov.uk Email: jo.heaney@northyorks.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Informal officer-level discussions to confirm regional appetite and suitability, in line with DfE guidance for Expressions of Interest prior to full business case development.
Consultees
Formal consultation is not required at Expression of Interest stage