"We have to be transparent, we have to be accountable and we have to be truthful"

A LEADING Thurrock councillor has pledged an independent review into the way the borough's child safeguarding partnership works.

Cllr James Halden, the authority's portfolio holder for children and adult social care, says he recognises there are major concerns about the validity and quality of the council's child care services and acknowledges major concerns - highlighted by Thurrock Nub News editor Neil Speight over a number of years – about how the council is held to account for possible mistakes.

This evening (Wednesday, 8 July) Cllr Halden will deliver a major report to a full meeting of the council and he will be stressing that the council has to be accountable for its actions.

Thurrock Nub News, and its sister site Thurrock Independent, has been calling for many months for more transparency and honesty from the council over its children's services department.

In particular we have focused on the much-delayed report into the death of a young child in Chadwell St Mary.

Cllr Halden recognises the concerns of media and the public, and speaking to tonight's meeting he plans to say: "I can announce tonight an independent review into the way our child safeguarding partnership is functioning to make sure the system is always held to the highest standards."

Cllr Halden spoke to Thurrock Nub News in advance of tonight's meeting and said: "I think the system needs independence and challenge. The moment you accept that good is well enough, is the moment that issues can set in.

"That's the challenge elected members must provide, and that's what the press provide. I want to be open to comments, which I why I'm listening to press and public concerns, and have publicly invited my Labour Party Shadow Cabinet members to be a part of this work and more.

"I have returned to be portfolio holder and want to shine a spotlight on a number of issues. The service has been rated "good" but we can always do more in terms of accountability, including issues like the number of young people who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers, how partners conduct timely case reviews, how we support the vulnerable in a recession, and the actual outcomes for the lives of children.

"We have to be transparent, we have to be accountable and we have to be truthful - it's why I've been making my door open to the press, opposition, and public. Frankly, if there are issues, and we must always accept we are not prefect, then I want to know about the problems and tackle them head on. Thurrock deserves no less."

Cllr Halden spoke to Thurrock Nub News in advance of tonight's meeting and said: "I do not think there has been enough independence in Thurrock.

"I have returned to be portfolio holder and have concerns over a number of issues. I want to bring the spotlight of accountability onto children's services, including issues like the number of so-called children who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers.

"We have to be transparent, we have to be accountable and we have to be truthful,"