Council leaders defend services after row over senior staff absences

Leeds City Council was criticised after it emerged there was no top director overseeing children and family services for around three weeks.

The council said it faced an “unprecedented” staffing situation when the director of children’s services (DCS) and two deputies were unexpectedly off work at the same time.

Councils are required to have a named DCS in place under section 18 of the Children’s Act.

A spokesperson for the Labour-controlled council said: “There was a minor technical breach between November 17 and December 5 as there was no appointed DCS present.”

The breach led to an extraordinary full council meeting at Leeds Civic Hall on Friday.

Conservative group leader Alan Lamb tabled a motion calling for councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families, to stand down from her leadership role.

He said: “At no point was I told that the council was, or might be, in breach of its statutory duty until I raised the concern with them.

“Imagine the police or health services needing to escalate a case immediately.

“In those moments the system is designed to provide absolute clarity.”

Council bosses said they moved to appoint an interim head of the service, which is rated “outstanding” by Ofsted, as soon they knew the top bosses would be off for longer than expected.

Coun Hayden told the meeting: “Yes, recent weeks have been challenging, but safeguarding has remained our top priority throughout.”

Labour members spoke to defend Coun Hayden and pointed out that Coun Lamb had been briefed three times on the staffing issue.

Deputy council leader Jonathan Pryor said: “At no point during the period in question did Leeds City Council fail to carry out its functions in terms of lawfully delivering services.”

Ofsted, the Local Government Association and the Department for Education were all notified of absences in the leadership team, Labour said.

The council spokesperson added: “Notifying them of the interim arrangements was prudent but not something we were legally obliged to do.”