Agenda item

Statements were made by the following people;

·  Bryn Jones, Transition Larkhall, made a statement regarding the plans in the gateway project for a section of the London Road in Bath, in relation to removal of the cycle path.  He referred to a petition of over 1,200 signatures which had been referred for debate at the February 18^th Council meeting. In response to a question from Councillor Ben Stevens about whether Mr Jones was aware that the scheme had been amended to include the reinstatement of the cycle track, he responded that he had had a meeting with officers the day before and this had not been mentioned. The statement was referred to the Cabinet member for Transport.

·  Lesley Mansell, Chair of Radstock Town Council, made a statement welcoming the reduction in cuts to the Children’s Centres budget but asking Councillors to think carefully about the long-term impact of further reductions which could have a detrimental effect on schools in the Radstock area which has a high proportion of SEN children. In response to a question from Councillor Dine Romero about whether Ms Mansell was aware that the intention had always been that if more money was available, it would go into Children’s Centres, Ms Mansell responded that their local service was run by volunteers and so its future was uncertain.  In response to a question from Councillor John Bull about universal access for all parents, Ms Mansell responded that services should be available to all, not just those families deemed as deprived.  The Chair indicated that the statement would be taken into account during the subsequent debate.

·  Nettie Williams made a statement as a mother and past user of the Children’s Centre service.  She asked a series of questions about the future plans for the service and allocation of the £500,000.  Councillor Romero thanked Ms Williams for her contribution thus far, and promised to get back to her regarding her specific queries.  Councillor Tim Warren asked about the effect of the Centre on her life.  Nettie Williams responded that it was more about the effect on the lives of the women she saw every week.  In response to a question from Councillor Liz Hardman, Ms Williams confirmed that access should be universal.  The Chair indicated that the statement would be taken into account during the subsequent debate.

·  Jane Carter, Branch Secretary UNISON, made a statement opposing cuts to Children’s Centre services, a copy of which has been placed on the Council’s Minute book and is attached electronically to the minutes.  In response to a query from Councillor Dine Romero about whether Ms Carter was aware that the proposals included plans to work with parishes and those providing specialist services, not just volunteers, Jane Carter responded that she was aware, but not of the details.  In response to a query from Councillor Robin Moss about whether the uncertainty for existing staff made it difficult to recruit into positions, Ms Carter responded that they were concerned about job losses, loss of skills and the impact on children.  The Chair indicated that the statement would be taken into account during the subsequent debate.

·  Hugo Jenks made a statement regarding funding to the Child Contact centre in Bath and raising in particular the issue of enabling contact with absent fathers.  In response to a query from Councillor Dine Romero about whether Mr Jenks was aware that contact happens in the best place, not just in these Centres, Mr Jenks responded that he was making the case for this particular Centre.  In response to a query from Councillor Eleanor Jackson about how many children would be affected by cuts in funding, Mr Jenks responded that he didn’t have the figures but had felt compelled to put in a good word after his own positive experience.  A copy of the statement has been placed on the Council’s Minute book and is attached electronically to the minutes.  The Chair indicated that the statement would be taken into account during the subsequent debate.

·  Helen Dudden made a statement supporting the vital work of Children’s Centres for vulnerable children and highlighting cases of child deaths at the hands of their parents.  In response to a query from Councillor Liz Hardman as to whether early intervention from Children’s Centres might have prevented some of those deaths, Ms Dudden responded that the earlier you could get to children, the more chance there was to save them. The Chair indicated that the statement would be taken into account during the subsequent debate.

·  Ailsa McKenzie made a statement stressing the need for universal access to these services for all.  She drew on her own experience of accessing Children’s Centre services, and her professional experience as an Assistant Head Teacher and Early Years and SENCO co-ordinator.  In response to a query from Councillor Liz Hardman about whether money should be targeted to the most vulnerable, Ms McKenzie responded that it was her strong belief that any service for children and families should be inclusive, not exclusive.  The Chair indicated that the statement would be taken into account during the subsequent debate.