Social services probe demanded (From Western Telegraph)

Social services probe demanded

OPPOSITION party leaders have joined forces to launch a three-pronged attack on the way Pembrokeshire County Council's social services is run.

Growing concern about the performance of the department, has prompted them to call for: * An extraordinary county council meeting to openly debate the issue. * A meeting with the Audit Commission for Wales - it was the commission's joint review report with social services which highlighted problems two years ago. * The National Assembly to call an inquiry into the performance of the social services department.

Allegations against the department and the county council have been highlighted in the media. These included claims by staff of bullyboy tactics within upper management, that staff are unable to speak freely without fear of reprisal, and that morale is low and staff emigrating to neighbouring authorities. These were all denied by the council.

But Cllrs John Allen, Liberal Democrat leader; Joyce Watson, Labour leader; Michael Williams, Plaid Cymru leader, and Bill Philpin, Liberal Democrat member, say that they have received a number of calls from employees. Councillor Allen said: "Because of the oppressive culture regime, staff feel intimidated and some have moved on."

Councillor Williams revealed that major concerns included the fact that staff were having to deal with in excess of 40 cases each, that some staff were dealing with cases they were not qualified to handle and, because staff were under pressure, often only the 'higher risk' cases were being dealt with.

"We are simply not addressing issues raised by the Climbie case," he said. Cllr Joyce Watson added: "We are key councillors in our area and as a consequence of concerns that have been highlighted we want to seek answers, because we owe it to the people out there. Heaven forbid something went wrong, but the first thing everyone from outside would say is 'Where was the council? Why didn't councillors take action? Why didn't the council ask these questions?'"

The opposition leaders stressed that what concerns them most is that despite the audit commission report two years ago, improvements do not appear to have been implemented. "We are dealing here with our most vulnerable people," said Councillor Allen. "We are just not satisfied that the service is in good health. What we want is an open debate, accountability and democracy."

And Bill Philpin added: "This council is very good at methods of concealment. If there was an award for investors in secrecy it would be in the running."