Case No. Case-No.-CO-5942-2017

(1) In this section, any reference to a child who is looked after by a local authority is a reference to a child who is— (a) in their care ; or (b) provided with accommodation by the authority in the exercise of any functions (in particular those under this Act) which are social services functions within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, apart from functions under sections 17, 23B and 24B. (2) In subsection (1) “accommodation” means accommodation which is provided for a continuous period of more than 24 hours. (3) It shall be the duty of a local authority looking after any child—(a) to safeguard and promote his welfar e; and (b) to make such use of services available for children cared for by their own parents as appears to the authority reasonable in his case.” 19.The purpose of the duty is broad and is to protect the child, promote that child’s welfare, and to provide accommodation. The application of the duty has been considered at length by the courts. In