The proposals, in the report by London School of Economics Professor Julian Le Grand, did rather gloss over the critical issue of accountability. So it is not surprising that Jones objects to the lack of a "clear and unambiguous line of political and professional accountability for outcomes for children". With power must come responsibility. The mayor argues that the proposal carries "unclear, high risk and conflicting legal powers and responsibilities and accountabilities between the Secretary of State and the council".
Jones's proposal would see the council, rather than a government-appointed commissioner, charged with setting up the independent trust, thereby restoring the council's legal responsibility for children's social care. Crucially, the mayor views the plans as "workable" if modified to include services other than social care that will secure the best outcomes for vulnerable children. For now, the ball is back in the Department for Education's court.
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