UK BA have settled historical funding issues re leaving care grants and special circumstances grants.

UK BA are seeking to reinvigorate the programme with a new Project Manager (not yet recruited).

West Midlands have developed a model but they need feedback from UK BA and agreement on the structure and principles.

Some Elected Members felt there is a lack of leadership and governance of the project.

Concerns were expressed that there is no clarity about the funding going forward.

UK BA had commented that a lot of resource is being invested in making removals happen. Some countries of origin very difficult to return UASC's to.

The Immigration Minister stated that formal invitation notices will be sent in mid April, but UK BA need an indication by then so that proposals do not come `out of the blue'.

Some LAs are actively developing a model in good faith, although they do want to see the post 18 funding and returns issues resolved before formally expressing an interest.

WLGA: South Wales LAs expressed concerns at the UASC Reform workshop around the lack of foster carers in Wales. WLGA will send a brief to Elected Members across Wales to inform a decision re becoming a `specialist authority' and engagement with the programme.

A recent paper tabled at the ADSS Task Group implied that the UK BA had sorted out post 18 funding but they have not resolved this issue. Post 18 legislation needs sorting.

The LGA Task Group have taken the same position as the ADSS - there may need to be legislative change.

WRC gave reference to disabled people and immigration law

LAs need to have a sound core business before engaging in other programmes. There are financial pressures especially with regard to fostering placements. This is not the right time to engage in the programme.

UASC's are being dispersed and ending up in Initial Accommodation.

There is need for clarification from UK BA as to whether there is a first `tranche' of specialist authorities, i.e. will LAs in Wales have an opportunity to participate in the `second tranche' of specialist authorities?

Numbers of UASC's are rising through enforcement activity, for example, 15 young people in Carmarthenshire.

Numbers of UASC's are rising in Cardiff.

No LA will want to engage in this process until the financial issues are resolved.

There may be implications in not participating in the UASC Reform Programme, for example, numbers of UASCs will eventually dwindle.

English LAs not signing up yet. Common issues for all LAs.

Wales does want to participate in UK BA programmes, but UK BA must recognise the issues.