UK
SEFTON Council has breached a regulation that safeguards our most vulnerable children.
Councillors must make formal monthly visits to five childrens homes run by the authority including Southports Kirwan House.
But between April 2008 and 2009, only 14 visits out of 60 were made just 23%.
And a report published last week says it may be because councillors are not being paid travel expenses on top of their annual five-figure allowances.
No Lib Dem councillors have visited kids care facilities since 2006, with 29 visits by Conseratives and 35 by Labour in that time.
Today, a local NSPCC chief accused politicians of ignoring their duty of care.
Southport branch secretary Syl-via Sawyer said: If they cant look after the most vulnerable members of our society, then who can they look after?
These councillors are very quick to show up when somebodys rubbish needs moving or when somebody wants a zebra crossing but they dont show up to check on children in care.
It shouldnt be about money, they should do it because it is their job.
The checks are a vital way of spotting malpractice in care homes and lets youngsters and staff voice concern while managers run through a checklist of potential problems.
It is thought the checks may not be done as councillors are not paid extra allowances.
An Independent Remuneration Panel the body which deal with payments to councillors last week went against a proposal from Labour to pay expenses costs.
Labour councillor Kevin Cluskey said: Originally officers did the visits but then elected members were told to do it. The difference was the officers got paid for it and the members got nothing.
I was doing 40-mile round trips to Southport when petrol was at its peak and for a retired man it was quite significant. I didnt mind because I quite liked doing them but I think some elected members lost interest.
The Lib- Dems have come under fire after it emerged members had not conducted any checks in the last three years.
Sefton Conservative leader Cllr Paula Parry said: We do try and participate, even if its not possible to do 100% of our share, but to have done none in three years in really appalling.
Lib Dem cllr Richard Hands, also Childrens Services scrutiny chairman, admitted failings but insisted measures were now in place to ensure checks were routinely conducted.
He said: I can assure you that now all the checks will be made on a monthly basis, no excuses.
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: At the end of last year it emerged that there were issues. Action was then taken to remedy the problem.
John Siddle
17 July 2009
