Failing social services left children at risk from paedophiles, abuse and neglect [Essex Chronicle]

1.41.50pm GMT Thu 12th Mar 2009

Today's Essex Chronicle reports:- Social services left children in the care of their mother, despite knowing she was sharing her home with a string of abusive partners and sex offenders. The shocking revelation comes as Ofsted published reasons behind its 'inadequate' rating of Essex County Council's safeguarding children services. Full story in the newspaper:- http://is.gd/n3CC. The Lib Dems have attacked the Conservative-run authority for being more concerned about its PR image than basic services. [Read more.....]

Essex was rated one of the eight worst councils in the entire country for child protection, including Haringey where Baby P died. However, the Council is ninth highest in the country for spending on press and PR.

Essex Lib Dem leader Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes (Chelmsford North) commented: "The Conservatives have become obsessed with their own image, and drunk on their own sense of self importance. They have allowed themselves to believe their own deluded publicity that they are the best council in the country.

"In their quest to pose for the most number of photo-opportunities, they have forgotten to concentrate on why they're here. They have neglected to provide the most basic services and requirements of a council, they have treated taxpayers money with disdain, they have failed the residents of Essex.

"It is now the mark of this Conservative administration, that it values its own image over the lives of vulnerable children."