HC Deb 26 October 1993 vol 230 c603W
Mr. Fraser

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the delivery of child care services in the London borough of Lambeth; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Bowis

Following the social services inspectorate report of April 1992 into child protection services, Lambeth has been asked to provide regular reports on these services in the borough. The latest report covers the period up to 1 October 1993 and shows that, despite some work towards achieving improved standards in management and quality of services, there are continuing causes for concern, including an unacceptably high level of unallocated casework. Lambeth will be asked to send a further report by 1 March 1994. In addition, Lambeth is addressing recommendations in a recent social services inspectorate report on three of its children's homes.