§ 27. Mr. Roweasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received since 5 July 1984 about the absence of a procedure for appeal against social workers' decisions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThree representations have been received in this period. We agree that local authorities who have the statutory duty to provide personal social services should have, as recommended in the report, "Social Workers: Their Role and Tasks", established methods for dealing with complaints but we hold the view that authorities should develop their own procedures to meet their particular needs. The statutory code of practice on access to children in care and the Department's document on statutory reviews of children in care both draw attention to the need for adequate local complaints procedures. These proposals were generally well received. The Department's social services inspectorate is currently examining local authorities' procedures and practices in connection with the new arrangements for access and parental rights resolutions.