New ContactPoint trials imminent

The Telegraph has found some space amidst its MPs expenses revelations to note that the government is starting more trials on the ContactPoint children's database with 17 councils next week.

"From next week, 800 people in 17 council areas will be trained to use it. The trial covers local authorities in the North West, as well as officials working for two charities - Barnardo's and KIDS.

Earlier trials of the system have already uncovered a series of errors. The latest setback emerged in March when council officers were asked to search the database for vulnerable children who needed to be "shielded''. They discovered that adopted children were listed both by their original and adopted surnames, leaving them at greater risk of being tracked down."