Member News
A review of children's services following the death of a 17-month old after severe abuse will consider the independence of local children's safeguarding boards, Ed Balls has said.
The children's secretary told MPs on Monday that he would be setting out legislation to "promote the safety and well-being of children".
In a short Commons statement, Balls confirmed that an inspection being carried out by Ofsted, the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and the Chief Inspector of Constabulary would report on December 1.
And he pledged to act on the findings of the forthcoming report by Lord Laming, who also chaired the investigation into the death in Haringey of Victoria Climbie.
"The whole nation has been deeply shocked, appalled and angered by the tragic death of Baby P," the minister said.
"I know members across the House who have been contacted by constituents to express their revulsion that a small boy could suffer abuse in this day and age and their disbelief that this could happen again in Haringey."
He added that the report would look at "key features of good practice, and whether they are being applied universally across the country; key barriers including in the legal process and what specific actions need to be taken - including the independence of local children's safeguarding boards."
"Tomorrow I will set out the legislation we will introduce to strengthen local arrangements to promote the safety and wellbeing of children across the country through statutory children's trusts," Balls said.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd