Activity but no action

(The title was, I think, from David Cameron.)

Today, on his blog, Iain Dale, reports on a conservation he had a few days ago with Gillian Shepherd, now a member of the House of Lords.

What emerged borders on the frightening.

In the nearly 12 years of Labour government, there have been 69 green and white papers affecting children, nine health service reorganisations and seventeen Acts of Parliament affecting local government structure. Directors of Children's services have had to assimilate and implement anything relevant to their area of responsibility.

Gillian Shepherd estimates that 150 local authorities have Children's departments, and in many restructuring has brought adult and social services under a cumbersome umbrella with them. The result has been confusion, muddle and a lack of oversight caused by the sheer size and complexity.

In 2001 Hazel Blears said in a debate that on average one child dies a week in this country from neglect. Evidence recently given to the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee suggests that the figure is now probably three children per week.

Ofsted recently reported that the number of local authorities failing to protect children properly, in their judgement and from their inspections has doubled in one year.

There is an a likely connection between the last two paragraphs.

What is happening is change brought before previous changes have settled down and been evaluated, of a rush to legislation rather than considering other options, and of a government which needs to be seen to be doing something. Many of the changes are ill thought out and rushed.

There has been almost feverish activity but no effective action. If genuine consultation, time for trials and adjustment took place, there might be less activity but there would be a greater possibility of success. As things are two many changes have been rushed in, when it might have been better to have taken longer to prepare.