Local authorities across Cheshire and Merseyside have welcomed confirmation from the Department for Education that Sefton Council will host the new Regional Care Cooperative (RCC) on their behalf, marking a significant step forward in improving outcomes for children and young people in care.

The Cheshire and Merseyside RCC will bring together local authorities and partners from across the region to strengthen commissioning, improve sufficiency of care placements, and help ensure children receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

The Department for Education has approved funding to support the establishment and development of the RCC, recognising the region’s strong collaborative approach and commitment to transforming children’s social care such as the pioneering Juno model for residential care.

Speaking on behalf of the Liverpool City Region, Councillor Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families at Sefton Council, said:

“We are delighted that Cheshire and Merseyside has been selected to establish a Regional Care Cooperative, with Sefton acting as the host authority on behalf of our partners.

“This is a significant opportunity for the region to work together in a new and ambitious way to improve outcomes for children and young people. By combining our expertise, resources and shared commitment, we can strengthen the local care market, improve placement sufficiency and ensure that more children can access the support they need, closer to home.

“We look forward to working closely with all our local authority, NHS and sector partners as we develop the cooperative and shape the next phase of children’s social care reform in Cheshire and Merseyside.”

The new cooperative will build on existing partnership working across Cheshire and Merseyside, creating a more coordinated approach to the planning, commissioning and delivery of care placements and support services for children and young people.

Liz Bishop, Chief Executive of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:

“This is a significant achievement for Cheshire and Merseyside and reflects the strength of partnership working across our region. The Regional Care Cooperative will help us take a more strategic and collaborative approach to supporting children and young people, ensuring we make the best possible use of our collective expertise and resources to improve outcomes.”

Further details on the development of the RCC, governance arrangements and partnership opportunities will be shared in the coming months.