An action plan to help victims of modern slavery across the county has been delayed amid confusion over who will pay for and lead the scheme. 

Bucks County Council's cabinet met on Monday to discuss the report  which investigated steps that need to be taken to support vulnerable victims of modern slavery.

The document laid out eight recommendations to the cabinet, including introducing a clear process to identify and report victims of modern slavery.

In light of the investigation it was also announced last month that a pilot project, led by the county council's community safety team, aiming to support victims of modern slavery will be trialed in Bucks for one year starting in March.

The pilot will be run by the Rahab project, a Reading charity that has experience in raising awareness and supporting people who have become victims of exploitation. 

However leader of the council, Martin Tett, asked chairman of the inquiry, Steven Lambert, to clarify the council's role in in the partnership project, which is led by Thames Valley Police, and how it will be funded, before the plan is presented to full council.

Councillor Tett said: "We are very supportive of this and also the immense understanding of the importance of the victims involved in this. 

"Anyone that  is involved in local government finance, and there are councils not far from here that are in an even worse state than we are, will know that there is no financial slack in the system, we cannot magically find extra money.

"We just managed to save the opening hours of libraries last week, we might find ourselves in a situation where we have to make difficult choices if you want to fund something in the future, if the Police and Crime Commissioner chooses not to carry on with that funding."

The report was put together by the the transport, environment, economy and communities select committee following a two month inquiry.

Mr Lambert, confirmed the Police and Crime Commissioner's office has agreed to pay for the pilot scheme for one year, with a view to extend it to two years if required. 

He said: "Once we know the level of demand, once we know how the Rahab service works, and the Police and Crime Commissioner can see the result of that, there is further partnership work that can be done. 

"It is impossible to say whether it will cost £1 or £100,000 at this stage because we haven't established prevalence."

Mr Lambert clarified the police would take charge of tackling the offences and the council's main role would be to identify and report victims once the action plan is agreed. 

However cllr Tett insisted the committee needs to present the cabinet with a clearer financial plan before the report can be backed by councillors. 

He said: "I would really like to understand the finances. I know you have covered them, where it is coming from and the length of them, but I think we need them documented to make it absolutely clear where there is and there is not financial pressure. 

"It would be really good to see a bit more clarity on the respective roles both with regard to strategy and the operational side, in terms of who does what on the ground."

To view the committee's report visit https://democracy.buckscc.gov.uk/documents/s108916/Report%20for%20Modern%20Slavery%20Inquiry.pdf