Inappropriate comments from local councillors about children with special needs is exactly why local government should not be given decision making powers regarding any people with mental health needs.
Warwickshire County Council demonstrated why parents of children with additional needs should not trust local government to make decisions regarding the care and welfare of their children when three of it’s Conservative councillors made the wildly inappropriate remarks. It could be argued that this treatment of people’s welfare is not exclusive to Warwickshire or indeed children as thousands upon thousands of adult’s struggle to gain support from government run organisations such as PIP.
Reported by the BBC’s Joshua Nevett, three Councillors at a public meeting commented that children didn’t necessarily need additional support but better parenting, that they were just ‘badly behaved’ and perhaps parents were pushing their children down a route whereby they gained additional support because of social media grooming.
A clip of Councillor Jeff Morgan, Councillor Brian Hammersley and Councillor Clare Golby discussing this publicly can be seen on social media channels as well as the backlash from the public and spokespeople alike.
Whilst a public apology has been called for, what has been said has been said is that we should all question the greater implications of these attitudes in local and central government.
For those who are unaware, Councils have a legal duty to provide special needs support to eligible pupils, including those with an education, health, and care (EHC) plan up to the age of 25.
Councils say they don’t have the funds, and I’m sure they are struggling, but perhaps the real issue is the prioritisation of funds from central Government down. I’m sure if I were to ask you to list three occasions public money has been inappropriately allocated you would instantly think of them, such as HS2, PPE Contracts, Refurbishment of MP London homes!
Enough is enough.
If you are connected to children with special needs and feel like they could benefit from talking to someone, I offer a free 15 minute consultation for anyone looking to begin their therapy journey. If you would like to get in touch and find out more about my services, contact me for details.
About The Author
An experienced therapist, Jille Tringham is the owner of Meditate Place and has years of personal and industry expertise. Her unique therapeutic approach can offer long term release and the ability to cope with emotional issues that cause daily setbacks and uncertainty in your life. Jille Tringham has a number of years experience in human behaviour both in a commercial setting and as a therapist. She provides therapies from her Birmingham base to release you from your day to day challenges, as well as Life Coaching and Career Mentoring because she understands the physical and emotional strains that spill into all areas of life.
