Shine a light to scatter the darkness
Full marks to Cornwall councillor Chris Ridgers, who chairs the children's services scrutiny committee, and who shocked a few of his colleagues yesterday by daring to mention - in public - two Serious Case Reviews (SCRs) which have yet to be published formally.
The cases concern the deaths of two teenagers in Cornwall, in separate incidents, and the extent to which the various agencies involved might learn lessons for the future. One of the cases is already very well known, having made national newspaper headlines back in July.
Chris spoke about how he had been briefed on the SCRs without in any way breaching any confidentialities. Cornwall's children's services department is used to getting a bad press but actually has many more "good news" stories to boast, if only the culture of secrecy could be broken down.
It could be months, if not years, before these SCRs finally see the light of day. It's not unusual for them to stumble out more than a year after any public inquest. You might expect a journalist to call for openness and transparency - but I really do think a more pragmatic approach to scrutiny would not only help the troubled children's services department to improve, it would also go a very long way to restoring public confidence.
I'm ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Devon’s Graham Smith, blogging on news, views and some fresh insights into West Country life, particularly the way government works locally and nationally.
Comment number 1.
At 26th Mar 2010, Jeremy Rowe wrote:I'd also like to give a public thanks to Chris for his excellent handling of the St Tudy School issue at yesterday's meeting. The item was given a fair and thorough airing and I know that those members of the public who attended were very grateful to Chris for leading the meeting in the way he did.
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Comment number 2.
At 27th Mar 2010, Compadre wrote:Cllr Rowe should not presume to speak for all the public attending the meeting. Some of us might have looked to our elected members for some leadership in dealing with the hard questions raised by this matter
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Comment number 3.
At 27th Mar 2010, Jude Robinson wrote:Graham, you're right. The lack of accountability of Cornwall Council and the stonewalling of the public and opposition during the Lib Dem years were profoundly damaging to the council and it is good to see a change (even though Chris is on the 'other side' to me)
It doesn't do anyone in politics or the electorate we serve, any good if democracy doesn't work well. It is a shame that the Tory/Independent/MK alliance have continued the domination of scrutiny by the ruling coalition. I think it is an important principle that the party in opposition should run the scrutiny because they have the most interest in being rigorous in their questioning.
On the other hand, since losing power the Lib Dems have done little to redeem themselves and chosen knockabout politics rather than constructive debate, so I see the dilemma.
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