'Considerable' progress since tragedy of Arthur

LEADER'S TRIBUTE AND PLEDGE FIVE YEARS ON FROM HIS DEATH

- SAM GREENWAY Local Democracy Reporter

THE leader of Solihull Council says “significant strides’ have been made in improving children’s services in the five years since the tragic death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.

Councillor Karen Grinsell, Solihull Council's recently-elected new leader and cabinet member for children and education, said: “Our thoughts are with Arthur's family and friends on the anniversary.

“We have worked hard to improve our services for children and families since then and I am pleased we have made significant strides with this, as recognised by our most recent monitoring visit.

“We have made considerable progress to improve how we work with police and health colleagues.

“We now work together as one team, in particular when people first raise a concern with us.

“We have also worked hard to provide strong leadership and management support and lower workloads for staff, which is enabling social work practice to improve.

“This is ultimately improving the response we provide to children who need help and support.