Children's Trust Board in every council, in wake of Baby P case

The move follows the failure of social workers in the London borough of Haringey to prevent the death of Baby P.

For the first time, every local authority will have to have a Children's Trust Board made up of representatives of the local authority, health, police schools and other services, who will be legally required to work together to deliver a Children and Young People's Plan.

Speaking at the Children's Plan conference on Tuesday, children's minister Ed Balls said, 'In some places, there is still too little emphasis on early intervention and prevention. Organisational barriers and competing priorities appear to be getting in the way.

'Professionals working with children in this country do a tough job, often in very difficult circumstances. But we must do whatever it takes to strengthen local arrangements to enable children to live and grow up safely.'

The Government has asked Lord Laming to carry out an independent review into the progress made on implementing child protection reforms that were introduced following the Victoria Climbie inquiry.

On Monday a letter from Mr Balls setting out the terms of reference for the report was sent to Lord Laming. Recommendations for action are due in the New Year.

Mr Balls told the House of Commons, 'The whole nation has been deeply shocked, appalled and angered by the tragic death of Baby P.'

He said the report would look at 'key features of good practice, and whether they are being applied universally across the country; key barriers, including in the legal process; and what specific actions need to be taken, including the independence of local children's safeguarding boards.'

An investigation into Haringey Council by Ofsted, the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and the Chief Inspector of Constabulary is to deliver an initial report to Government on 1 December.