Lyon calls for councillor's sacking

by MATTHEW NIXSON

A senior Tory has demanded resignations following damning criticisms of the council's adoption service.

Veteran councillor Victor Lyon says officers have been made scapegoats for Barnet's new structure.

He believes severe problems came to light far too late and called on councillors Anne Jarvis, cabinet member for children, and her predecessor, Alison Moore, to resign.

'I believe it is the tip of the iceberg. Officers were doing their best but the head of the service was made a scapegoat,' said Mr Lyon.

A report published last month by the Government's Social Services Inspectorate branded Barnet's record on adoption one of the worst in the country. It revealed just three per cent of looked-after children were eventually adopted.

Stephen Barber, head of the service, took early retirement in mysterious circumstances. His departure was widely attributed to the investigation.

Mr Lyon added: 'We have council leader Alan Williams trumpeting how wonderful Barnet is but my feeling is the actual delivery of services is not as good as it used to be.'

But Mrs Jarvis said there would be no resignations among members. 'We're very well aware that the report revealed things that need improving but I don't think the council's structure is relevant.'

The new structure allowed members to examine issues in much greater depth, she added.

'Mr Lyon is talking nonsense in this respect.'