Trafford Council faces losing control of children's services after Ofsted finds 'inadequate' conditions
Government appoints advisor as council undergoes scrutiny for service failings
Trafford Council is contending with the potential loss of control over its children's services following an 'inadequate' rating from a recent Ofsted inspection. The findings reveal serious issues in service delivery, including children being left in unsafe situations due to delays in response.
Inspectors highlighted unrealistic safety expectations placed on children and expressed concerns over the council leadership's lack of awareness regarding the extent of the problems until pointed out in the Ofsted report. Council leaders apologised for these failings and pledged immediate improvement measures.
Government intervention
Following the critical assessment, the government enlisted independent expert adviser Andy Couldrick to evaluate and assist Trafford's children's services department. Couldrick, known for his previous oversight of improvements at Tameside Council, will create a detailed report assessing the causes and necessary steps for sustainable improvements.
Couldrick's assessment will explore a spectrum of recommendations, ranging from imposing a children's trust to allowing the council to retain control with improvements already underway.
Political upheaval
The severity of the situation has resulted in political dissatisfaction within Trafford Council. Opposition councillors have raised questions about the lack of prior awareness and the repeated pattern of failures since 2019 when the service was first rated inadequate.
At a recent full council meeting, a no-confidence vote was held against council leader Tom Ross, spearheaded by Trafford's main opposition, the Conservative group. All opposition parties, including the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK, backed the motion calling for Ross's resignation.
Council leadership response
Despite opposition pressure, Labour's majority submitted an amended motion that passed, supporting Ross's continuation as council leader. Ross acknowledged the shortcomings and expressed regret for the service standards, promising swift action to address Ofsted's findings.
Deputy leader Liz Patel defended Ross's leadership against criticism, emphasizing his commitment to honesty, integrity, and good judgment in leading the council through challenging circumstances.
As Trafford Council navigates this critical period, the community and stakeholders await the results of Couldrick's government report and its long-term implications for children's services administration and improvements.