A draft exploitation strategy for people of all ages has been developed for Bracknell Forest to help provide support and recovery as well as prevent it from taking place in the borough. Residents can have their say on the proposed all-age exploitation strategy and action plan for 2026-31 until 14 September 2025.
The council’s cabinet supported carrying out a public consultation on the new strategy at its recent meeting.
The findings of the public consultation will then be used to create the final exploitation strategy and action plan for 2026-31.
Exploitation can have lasting and damaging effects on anyone who has survived such an experience. It can happen anywhere, from within the home at the hands of a loved one to criminal exploitation in the wider community. Exploitation can affect any age and is almost always unseen and covered up.
The four priorities in the strategy are:
- prevention – recognising the root causes of exploitation before individuals are harmed, with the aim to reduce the likelihood of these crimes occurring in the first place.
- transition into adulthood – creating an overlap rather than a gap for young people turning 18 by ensuring that they continue to receive strong and meaningful support to protect against exploitation into adulthood.
- perpetrators – responding to perpetrators of exploitation and making sure those responsible for exploitation are held accountable, and that appropriate interventions are in place to stop re-offending.
- support and recovery – ensuring victims of exploitation receive the comprehensive support needed to recover from their experiences to aid their healing, empowerment, and reintegration into society.
Cllr Helen Purnell, cabinet member for environment, community and housing, said: “We’re asking our residents for their views as they are the people who have likely seen the warning signs of exploitation, or been in situations that don’t quite add up and make them suspicious. It might also be residents who have been exploited themselves through various means. We are hopeful that, with their help, we can provide the right support and stop exploitation in Bracknell Forest.”
Once the consultation is complete, and the responses analysed, the proposed strategy will be finalised and presented to the cabinet for approval.
To complete the survey, visit All-Age Exploitation Strategy on the consultation portal.
Press release by COMMUNITIES Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1JD
T: 01344 352323 Minicom: 01344 352045 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk
