LESSONS have been learnt was the repeated phrase after the Serious Case Review over Operation Bullfinch.

But it is hard to believe they have when the county council has dismissed the notion of an independent review before anyone has barely had a chance to call for one.

Scrutiny committee chairwoman Liz Brighouse and everyone at the council must understand that trust in the local authority took a big knock in the wake of the failings highlighted.

It should be first in line to want to show it is continuing to take action and welcoming an independent review.