QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED OF EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS AT THE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE MEETING 5^th February 2003

(Agenda item 6)

1. Question from Councillor Francine Haeberling

The recent report into the death of Victoria Climbie led by Lord Laming suggested a number of recommendations to be implemented within three months. What assessment of the report is taking place to ensure the council is able to respond to any recommendations that the government may choose to implement?

Answer by Councillor Jane Tapper

The Climbie Inquiry has made 108 recommendations and established timescales for responding to these in terms of 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years. The vast majority of the recommendations need to be implemented within 6 months.

The Area Child Protection Committee for Bath and North East Somerset will be considering all recommendations within its upcoming Annual Development Day on 21st February 2003 and will determine a work programme for responding to the recommendations for inclusion in, and implementation from, its Business Plan for 2003/04.

The Children and Families Service (within the Housing and Social Services) has already started work on considering how it will respond to the recommendations specific to the Social Care Services. The Service will shortly be receiving a self assessment framework from the Social Services Inspectorate, which has been designed to assist a self audit of the Council's compliance with the recommendations. All Children and Family Services will be required to submit this self assessment to the SSI by 30.4.2003, and to include details of action taken and actions planned to meet the recommendations.

The Climbie report highlights issues for the Council as a whole, which is why I have asked for a formal report. The Head of Children and Families Service will be preparing that report for the Council Executive in March 2003.