Atkinson speaks out on her role
Monday, July 5, 2010
England's children's commissioner Maggie Atkinson does not want her powers to be extended, remaining satisfied that her office's sole remit is to influence policy.
Despite previous criticism from children's rights campaigners and predecessor Sir Al Aynsley-Green about the office's lack of powers compared to other UK commissioners, Atkinson said: "To have ombudsman powers you would probably have to quadruple our size and resource."
She is expecting to meet with Department for Education ministers before the recess to clarify her role.
Read CYP Now's News Insight on Atkinson.
