Liberal Democrats respond to SEND fiasco at Warwickshire County Council
During the recent Warwickshire County Council Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee appalling comments were made by three Conservative councillors in relation to SEND children and their needs.
The Warwickshire County Council Liberal Democrat group have released their statement:
The Liberal Democrat Councillors are shocked by the comments made by 3 Conservative Councillors at Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Lib Dem County Council group supports the Warwickshire SEND group in its call for a public apology. The group has also offered to meet local parents to discuss what has happened.
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, the LibDem Group Leader said:
"I find it really disappointing it makes me and the Lib Dem group angry that we still have elected members who do not seem to understand the pressures placed on children and families. Their comments have tarnished all Councillors and the hard work of Officers and a full public apology is needed."
The Liberal Democrat group is also calling for the Leader of Warwickshire County Council to consider removing these members from the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.
Manuela Perteghella Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate said:
"As a public servant myself, I believe the councillors' role is to listen to SEND families and understand the challenges they face locally, and most importantly understand the children's needs. As councillors, we should work with the SEND community to help resolve issues as best as we can. It saddens me deeply that such disgraceful views are still represented today at Conservative-led Warwickshire County Council. Our children and young people deserve better. The councillors should reflect on the hurt caused by their comments and stand down."
A petition has been launched by local parents to demand to priorities SEN funding and dismiss the 3 councillors: