Child protection meeting postponed as Darlington councillors absent again

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 21:57 · Archive

A meeting to question police over child protection failings was postponed for the second time after Darlington councillors failed to attend.

A meeting to scrutinise Durham Constabulary's handling of child protection cases was postponed for the second time on Monday after the panel did not have enough members present to proceed legally.

The Police and Crime Panel requires nine members to meet, comprising councillors from Durham and Darlington councils. Eight members attended, but none of the three Darlington representatives—Conservative leader Jonathan Dulston, Labour councillor James McGill and independent councillor Kevin Nicholson—were present. The three councillors did not respond to requests for comment.

The panel was due to question Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen about the force's response to a May inspection report which found Durham Constabulary requires improvement in how it investigates abuse, neglect and exploitation. Allen was also due to discuss progress on improvements including better oversight, targeting offenders and improving specialist safeguarding services.

Panel chairman Cllr Robert Potts said the repeated postponement was 'not something minor', adding that unless the meetings happened, 'we can't ensure the safety of the children in Darlington or Durham'. This was the second postponement; the original September meeting was also cancelled after no Darlington representatives attended.

How it is being reported

• 'Children at risk' warning as Darlington councillors fail to turn up to meeting AGAINChildren's safety warning as Durham Police and Crime Panel meeting on November 2 postponed after Darlington councillors failed to attend for a second time - leaving children 'at risk'The Northern Echo · 4 Nov, 21:48
• Second postponed meeting puts children 'at risk'Councillors were heard saying "you're joking" as the key County Durham meeting is postponed again.BBC Tees · 4 Nov, 18:21

In this story: Durham Constabulary · County Durham · Darlington · Robert Potts · Joy Allen · Jonathan Dulston · James McGill · Kevin Nicholson

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