Failure to act on child service report ‘worrying’

Last year a report into the council's children's services found how the service was putting children at serious risk of harm.

Just as it seemed the service was turning a corner after an action plan was put in place, a letter from a former cabinet member to leader Councillor Rosemarie Harris has revealed that a report carried out internally by the council - prior to the official CSSIW investigation - revealed concerns about the service, however no action was taken.

In the letter to Councillor Harris, seen by the Shropshire Star, Councillor Liam Fitzpatrick said he felt the authority had not been "open and transparent".

He wrote: "I am personally deeply concerned regarding the 'people 2' report and why no action was taken before the CSSIW investigations some time later to safeguard our children in the county.

"I do believe that the people concerned should be held to account and if necessary prosecuted.

"I am also now extremely concerned regarding your reluctance to investigate this matter, which would, I believe restore confidence not only in children's services but in the council as a whole.

"I would hope you will change your mind regarding publishing this report and that all members and staff, past and present, will assist in getting to the bottom of this issue that potentially put our children in the county at risk."

The children's service was warned by the Welsh Government that ministers would step in if improvements were not made. A follow-up notice was issued earlier this year.

Confidence

Elsewhere in the letter Mr Fitzpatrick states allegations have been made by a whistle blower also relating to children's services. The allegations centre around the departure of a staff member, and Mr Fitzpatrick has called for the issues not to be investigated internally.

The former cabinet member for highways, who was ousted in a recent cabinet re-shuffle said something needs to be done.

He added: "This is the only way that confidence can be restored in the present cabinet and council and our residents will finally know that our vulnerable children are in safe and responsible hands, and that we will as a collective group of councillors hold people to account regardless of when it occurred or who was involved."

In response, Councillor Harris said progress was now being made to safeguard children in Powys.

She said: "The council took quick and decisive action in response to recommendations set out in the Care Inspectorate Wales inspection.

"Working with Welsh Government we established an Improvement Board which includes highly experienced and independent members to drive our improvement agenda.

“We have produced a robust action plan, which has been approved by inspectors and the Welsh Government, and are committed to a programme of improvement. Our goal is to move Children’s Services to a position of real strength and exemplary performance.

“A great deal of progress has already been made but we know more is needed and are realistic about the challenge ahead. Our priority is the future not the past, to deliver improvements and restore confidence in our services.”