In The Guardian today, it is reported that the Conservatives have said that failing councils may be forced to outsource their child protection services. Under Tory proposals to improve child protection, social workers will be able to establish social work practices similar to GPs’ surgeries, and failing local authorities may be obliged to contract out all or part of their children’s social care provision. The Conservatives argue that giving staff a stake in the practice would encourage them to stay put, “increasing the stability and consistency of care essential for vulnerable children”.