Issue - meetings

To seek agreement of the Modern Slavery Statement for Buckinghamshire Council and the process for future annual review.

RESOLVED:

1.    To agree the Modern Slavery Statement for Buckinghamshire Council

2.    To agree the process for annual review and publication of the document

3.    To note the likely legal duties in relation to modern slavery and exploitation

I Darby introduced the Modern Slavery Statement report and highlighted the legislation behind the statement and even though it was not a legal duty to have one, it would be a backward step not to.  All local authorities were to support four key themes:

• Pursue - prosecuting and disrupting individuals and groups responsible for modern slavery
• Prevent - preventing people from engaging in modern slavery crime
• Protect - strengthening safeguards against modern slavery by protecting vulnerable people from exploitation and increasing awareness and resilience against this crime
• Prepare - reducing the harm caused by modern slavery through improved victim identification and enhanced support and protection.

It was highlighted that once the Statement was agreed it would be reviewed on an annual basis.

All Members of the Shadow Executive supported the introduction of the Statement and urged members of the public that if they suspected any exploitation happening locally, to report it.

RESOLVED:

1. To agree the Modern Slavery Statement for Buckinghamshire Council
2. To agree the process for annual review and publication of the document

To note the likely legal duties in relation to modern slavery and exploitation