Cabinet prioritises service for children and young people

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed to extend the council’s links with Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Councils, in delivering the regional service for Independent Professional Advocacy and Independent Visiting - a statutory service for eligible children and young people.

This Inter-Authority Agreement will continue for at least another 12 months from April 2023, alongside the contract with the service provider, Tros Gynnal Plant Cymru.

Usual commissioning rules have been suspended so that this extension can proceed.  This is because Welsh Government is revising the tool used in the children’s advocacy procurement process and therefore it is currently unavailable.  During the extension period, with the re-availability of the Welsh Government’s commissioning tool, a retender exercise will be undertaken.

As always, Bridgend County Borough Council has prioritised the welfare of children and young people above all else. In this case, it is crucial to extend all existing contracts to ensure the continuity of those well established and supportive relationships for our children and young people.

During the last four years, with Tros Gynnal Plant Cymru as the regional advocacy service provider, connections have been nurtured locally, as well as regionally, and it is of great importance that these are maintained.

Councillor Jane Gebbie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help