Recommendation 29

The Department has not confirmed how it will test the full commissioning model, and stakeholders have highlighted the scale of change and the need for a strong evidence base.80 The Children’s Homes Association told us that it was unclear how regional care co-operatives would address barriers relating to property prices, planning permission and the workforce.81 We received written evidence from Ofsted that it is disappointed not to have been given the power to inspect regional care cooperatives and is concerned that current proposals will leave gaps in oversight.82 The Children’s Commissioner told us that regional arrangements need to be much more ambitious rather than merely asking local authorities to “play nicely together, contribute a bit of money and share intelligence”.83 The Children’s Commissioner suggested a need for joint funding pots and shared accountability among local authorities, health, justice and education.84 Local authorities have previously raised concerns about the impact of regional commissioning on their statutory responsibilities, particularly around the risk of a local authority not finding a suitable place for a child.85 80 C&AG’s Report, para 3.12 81 Q 14 82 Ofsted (CCH0004) 83 Q 14 84 Q 14 85 C&AG’s Report, para 3.12 18