Ofsted, the UK’s inspector and regulator for children’s services has found Labour-run Croydon Council guilty of “widespread and serious failures” that are putting children in the Borough at risk of “significant harm” (Executive Summary). Ofsted found “weak managerial oversight” at all levels (Executive Summary) and that senior leaders knew services were unacceptable but have taken too long to act (page 9). The report highlights the role played by senior Labour Councillors, stating “senior leaders know that services need to be better, but they have taken too long to take action to improve them.” (page 27). The full report is here:
I am therefore calling for the resignation of Croydon Council’s Leader, Tony Newman, and the Cabinet Member for Children and Families Alisa Fleming. This is a totally unacceptable failure to properly look after the most vulnerable children in our neighbourhood.
The Government has had to step in an appoint a Children’s Commissioner to direct children’s services in Croydon. This rare step is contained in a Statutory Direction issued today:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/direction-issued-to-london-borough-of-croydon-council
I will be working with Government and the Council to urgently see improvements to Children’s services in the Borough.
