A NEW authority for Cumberland looks set to ensure experience of the care system is no barrier to children’s future, accepting the recommendation of a Government adviser from Eden.

Cumberland Council, a new unitary authority set to takeover in Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland in 2023, is set to meet today.

Councillors are meeting as a Shadow Authority and carrying out preparatory work until Vesting Day - April 1, 2023 when they become the sole council in Cumberland.

And Cllr Emma Williamson, non-statutory deputy leader, is set to propose a motion which will help shape the new authority’s children’s services.

Cllr Williamson will propose that Cumberland Council accepts a recommendation in The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care.

The national review, led by Josh MacAlister of Eden, recommends that young people’s experience of the care system become a “protected characteristic” – meaning that it should be no barrier to their future.

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If the motion is passed, the council recognises “that care experienced people are an oppressed group who face discrimination” and will prioritise this in any policy decisions it makes and the formulation of the council plan.

Mr MacAlister, who is now a Government adviser after the publication of the review said: “Making the care experience a protected characteristic is a key recommendation for Government from my review so I’m delighted to see the new Cumberland Council leading the way by recognising the unique experiences that being in care give a person.

“The disadvantage faced by people who have spent time growing up in the care system should be the civil rights issue of our time.

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“Children in care are powerless, are often invisible and they face some of the greatest inequalities that exist in England today.”

Mr MacAlister said that despite these injustices “so many care experienced people go on to run businesses, start families, earn doctorates, produce drama, write poetry, become government ministers and contribute to the world in countless ways.”

The care review, published in May 2022 was informed by the experiences of young people who have experienced the social care system as well as its staff.

One young person gave an account of the discrimination they have faced: “I don’t want people to point out that I am in care if I don’t want that mentioned. It makes me so cross – that shouldn’t happen.”

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