Alan Milburn is this weekend facing calls to back the creation of a children's tsar, ahead of the publication of the official report into the death of Victoria Climbie.

With the publication of the recommendations of Lord Laming's inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie due on Tuesday, councils have been urged to work more closely with the NHS, police and teachers.

The recommendation from the Local Government Association, the umbrella group for councils, came ahead of the government's response to the death of the eight year old, who was killed by her aunt and the aunt's boyfriend.

Health secretary Alan Milburn is expected to accept the vast majority of Lord Laming's recommendations.

The association said councils must open their structures and create an appropriate environment for neighbours, shopkeepers, teachers and others to come forward if they have concerns about children.

Alison King of the LGA said the report represents a significant turning point for preventing harm to children.

"All agencies with responsibility for protecting and preventing harm to children must continue to improve how they work, how they interact and how quickly they respond to suspicions of child abuse," she said.

The Children's Society has called for the government to appoint a children's commissioner.

"It is time to establish a children's rights commissioner for England, to make sure that all children know there is a champion for their rights, views and concerns," said chief executive Bob Reitemeier.

"Everyone, including children, parents and professionals, needs to be clear about how children should be treated, what support they are entitled to - and who is responsible for making sure these things happen. A children's rights commissioner is a vital step in the right direction."