Will the Tory Leader say YES to Criminal Record Bureau checks for councillors?

For over three years, the Liberal Democrats have been calling for all Brentwood councillors to be criminal record bureau checked for the safety of vulnerable residents and children that they deal with but have constantly been pushed back on this by the Tory administration.

Now, the budget for this has been agreed but, still, there are no plans for this to happen.

Cllr Vicky Davies says:

"My current ward work includes regular contact with a vulnerable resident and yet I have had to decline a request to accompany them to a police interview due to not having a CRB check in place.

"Some councillors do actually get involved in the community, frequently visiting vulnerable residents with severe disability both physically and emotionally, and yet Brentwood Council will not put adequate protections in place.

Cllr Karen Chilvers, who first raised this issue in 2010 over Tory requests for volunteers at the Lighting Up Event, said:

"Unless someone has something to hide, I cannot see any reason now for not proceeding with this with some urgency. Taking out those councillors who already have checks in place through other roles, it will cost under £1500 in total - a small price to pay for ensuring the protection of our vulnerable residents and children."

Officers at the council agree that this should proceed and it is now for the Leader, Cllr Louise McKinlay, to decide to do so.