Star comment: Families must have answers on baby ashes scandal
No stone must be left unturned as the inquiry begins its search for answers about the fate of infant ashes at Emstrey Crematorium.
Families have demanded an explanation of why they did not receive the ashes of infants cremated at the facility.
Seldom has Shropshire Council been asked to investigate such a sensitive matter. The inquiry the council has commissioned must do so with the utmost diligence and ensure families receive the honest and detailed responses they seek.
The absence of infant ashes compounded the grief of families who had already experienced a level of trauma that few can understand. There are myriad questions that now need to be answered and the council has a duty to disclose its findings. The information will clearly be in the public interest.
The first step towards resolving the matter has been taken. Shropshire Council has appointed an eminently responsible gentleman to chair an inquiry. David Jenkins arrives in the county with a wealth of experience and impressive credentials.
He was recommended for the role by the Local Government Association, which believes his legal background and experience of councils will help him to root out answers. Crucially, his primary links are to authorities many miles from Shropshire and he will bring an independence of mind to the post.
While some have already questioned whether a man with a local authority background ought to be in post, we must respect his appointment and trust in Mr Jenkins to find the truth.
Mr Jenkins must waste no time in establishing the terms of reference for his inquiry. He must find out exactly what policy or policies existed, which people took such decisions and whether there were other systemic failures. He must make sure all involved are accountable; from council leaders, chief executives and department leaders to those on the ground responsible for service provision.
In a little under six months, Mr Jenkins expects to have found out why families did not receive the ashes of their children. We must hope that his appointment will help to resolve this disturbing episode, and ensure there is no possibility of anything similar happening in future. We must also hope that his report will provide some comfort and closure to the families affected.
