Sometimes things go wrong. The world of providing council services is complex. Fortunately, we have a range of checks and balances to alert all of us to failures. Ofsted inspections are one such tool.

A recent Ofsted report that found that Peterborough City Council failed to adequately safeguard some vulnerable youngsters has brought the immediate resignation of its head of children’s services. This is an honourable decision.

He will be temporarily replaced by Cambridgeshire County Council’s director of children’s services Adrian Loades for three months.

When I was asked if we could loan Adrian, on a part time basis, my immediate reaction was to say yes. Good neighbours are important and in this case essential.