3:24pm Thursday 28th June 2012
The Welsh Government is seeking legal advice following Pembrokeshire council’s latest response to child safety criticisms the Deputy Minister for Children revealed yesterday.
Following Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jamie Adams' letter of response to Welsh Government ministers concerns about child safeguarding procedures Gwenda Thomas answered questions from local AMs in the Assembly.
Mrs Thomas confirmed on Wednesday, June 27th that the Welsh Government had received Cllr Adams’s response and said she was taking “further legal advice” on the matter.
Labour Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson had asked for an update on the latest situation.
“People in Pembrokeshire are anxious to receive an update following Jamie Adams’s response to the Government last Thursday.
“Constituents rightly expect local leaders to be held to account if they are found to be failing in the protection of children.”
Mrs Thomas responded saying that the Government was “considering options for action".
“We have taken advice from our inspectorates and we have taken advice from and met with our board. Subsequently, the Minister for Education and Skills and I met as Ministers and we have asked for further legal advice. We are considering options for action and we will make a statement when we are ready," she added.
Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies asked Mrs Thomas if she could outline what steps will be taken by the Government in the near future but was told that was not possible until legal advice was sought.
Regional AMs Rebecca Evans and Simon Thomas also questioned Mrs Thomas on the situation.
Mr Thomas asked if ministers were not content with the response received from Cllr Adams and if this was the basis for seeking further advice?
“There are continuing concerns and we have sought legal advice.
“Once we have that legal advice, we will decide how best to act," answered Mrs Thomas.
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