Haringey Labour councillors unanimously voted against a Liberal Democrat proposal at last night’s Full Council to establish a separate watchdog committee focusing solely on Children’s Services.

The committee would have been chaired by an opposition councillor and supported by a completely independent and impartial vice-chair. These changes would have allowed a fundamental change in the way councillors oversee the borough’s Children’s Service.

The measure would have directly responded to the severe criticism in the new Joint Area Review (JAR) report that specifically cited the failure in scrutiny as a contributing factor in not having systems in place that would have prevented the tragic death of Baby P.

Councillor Gail Engert, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children’s Services said:

“These are constructive proposals that would make an immediate and lasting difference in the way we keep our eye on how Children’s Services are run.

“It is deeply worrying that in spite of a promise of change, Labour has rejected out of hand this simple and immediate overhaul that would have imposed real and robust checks and balances.”

Councillor Karen Alexander, Liberal Democrat Scrutiny spokesperson, commented:

“I am worried that setting up an ad-hoc panel as suggested by Labour will not have the powers of a scrutiny committee.If there are concerns about Children’s Services this panel will not be able to do anything about it.”

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey & Wood Green adds:

“There is a serious conflict of interest at the heart of Labour’s scrutiny system because it is chaired by a Labour member.

“It is impossible to see how a member of the Labour group can thoroughly and independently review, and when necessary criticise, decisions taken by colleagues from his or her own party.

“I am concerned that in spite of promises of change Haringey Labour wants business as usual. Given the scale of the tragedy and the legitimate concerns raised by local residents over the quality of services, Haringey Council needs to address these failings now.”