Councillors Raymond Bremner and David Fraser defend their positions after criticism over Avonlea ‘silence’
Avonlea is now gearing up to provide pupils with additional needs at Wick High School with a space for supported learning.
The two councillors singled out for particular criticism by five Caithness councillors over their part in the saga over the closure of the former children’s care home have defended their roles and pointed to the new use of the facility.
AVONLEA CLOSURE:
• The exclusive inside story on Highland Council’s handling of the troubled children’s care home
• Highland Council denies being ‘deceptive’ over the closure of Avonlea children’s home
• Five Caithness councillors issue damning verdict on Highland Council officials over Avonlea
Councillor Raymond Bremner, who, according to the council’s timeline of events, attended a meeting in July 2022 with the then chief executive of Highland Council and head of children’s services, explained why he did not share information from that meeting with fellow local councillors.
He said: “There were numerous conversations that took place over a period of time to inform me and other members of what was being considered by officers. I cannot remember the details of any specific conversations and certainly, agreeing to a decision to close Avonlea is not within the remit of council members.”
On the question of whether passing emails from councillors onto officials at the local authority “in confidence” was acceptable or normal, he stated: “If a member sends me an email that requires me to gain further information in respect of the points raised, I would legitimately highlight these points to officers in order that I may receive clarification, and I believe this is common practice in terms of all elected members seeking information from officers.”
Cllr Bremner added: “The council voted in favour of officers completing their respite review and reporting back to the health, social care and wellbeing committee. Subsequently, the council has invested in short break provision aiming to meet the level of Caithness and Highland need.
“This substantial additional investment was recently approved in the council’s budget this year ensuring best value to the council and to our local communities. The work is advancing well with timelines for Caithness, Skye and Inverness.
“The facilities at Avonlea are now being used to support vulnerable children at Wick High School. The council takes its responsibility to the communities of the Highlands seriously and would not impede senior council officers carrying out their operational duties.”
Cllr David Fraser was asked why he didn’t share information with local councillors about the closure decision after he was made aware of it in July/August 2022.
He told the Groat: “Following the Avonlea inspection report received July 19, 2022, I understand senior officers were reviewing options for the young people at Avonlea. By late August and based on the findings of the inspection report I was made aware of the need to move the children and young people from Avonlea to more suitable accommodation and it was planned for that to be done by the end of September.
“On August 31 officers set up a meeting with the local members to provide a confidential briefing, and this was followed up in writing by Fiona Duncan on September 2.
“The information I had received regarding the young people in Avonlea was confidential and sensitive and not mine to share, hence local member briefings were led by senior officers.”
He also said it was “not unusual” to request information from officers when he receives email queries from other members.
On the subject of Fiona Duncan’s email, in which she said she would speak to Cllr Fraser and try to “put him off”, he added: “Myself and Fiona Duncan have a very good and open working relationship and that comment should not be read out of context.”
Cllr Fraser added: “As corporate parents we must put the wellbeing of our young people in our care at the heart of what we do as councillors. The council voted in favour of officers completing their respite review and reporting back to the health, social care and wellbeing committee.
“We are now investing in Highland-wide short break provision including the use of Thor House in Caithness. This week work has began on alterations to Avonlea and it will be used as an extension/satellite to Wick High School, for enhanced provision and to provide an appropriate learning environment for young people with severe and complex needs.
“The facility will support life skills and sensory development within an appropriate curriculum delivery.
“The wellbeing of our young people is of paramount importance and the changes made will help deliver improved support in Caithness, and that has been my guiding principle throughout this time.”
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The Care Inspectorate reports on Avonlea clearly highlighted significant concerns that required immediate actions. Based on this, officers determined that the key priority was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the young people residing there – and this formed the basis of discussion with stakeholders.
“Consequently, there were planned and agreed pathways to move the young people into more appropriate accommodation as Avonlea was no longer deemed fit for purpose by the Care Inspectorate.
“To this end, officers worked towards the property being vacated – or closed – of any young people, as soon as was appropriate. With regard formal closure, the cancellation of our registration of Avonlea occurred on December 12, 2022, once appropriate arrangements had been made for all young people affected.
“Key to our vision for children and young people is ‘The Promise’ – which forms the basis of Highland’s Family First Strategy. A key principle at the heart of this is keeping children at home – when safe to do so. As such, our focus is on improving practice, building kinship, and fostering networks; and ensuring the resources in the community are appropriate (including short breaks).
“Ultimately, Highland Council will look to reduce the number of children’s houses with this vision and model.”
We also contacted Donna Manson for further comment but she was unavailable.
