Councillor dropped from children's services role at Central Bedfordshire Council
A Central Bedfordshire Council executive member who is facing a standards hearing next week has been sacked from his children’s services portfolio.
Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Steve Owen is being replaced in his executive role, and says he was told his position had become untenable.
Councillor Owen revealed to the local democracy reporting service the issue of the CBC standards sub-committee was the only reason given to him for his removal from the executive. He remains a CBC ward and Leighton-Linslade town councillor.
Councillor Owen was appointed executive member for children’s services in August 2024. He replaced Independent Biggleswade West councillor and former CBC deputy leader Hayley Whitaker.
Flitwick councillor Gareth Mackey is to become the new executive member for children and families, after switching from the Central Bedfordshire Community Network of councillors to become a member of the ruling Independent Alliance on CBC.
Central Bedfordshire Council said in a statement: “The council leader and Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny has announced changes to the composition of the executive, with immediate notice.
“The children and families portfolio is of critical importance to the local authority. Improving outcomes for all children remains a key priority, and the breadth of this portfolio is considerable.
“It encompasses education, social care, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), among other responsibilities. Given the scale and complexity of this remit, it requires a significant level of executive time and capacity.
“The appointment of Independent Barton-le-Clay and Silsoe councillor Liz Childs as a new deputy position for this area will add extra capacity, as she becomes executive member for communities.
“Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Russell Goodchild is to take on a role of deputy executive member for town and parish councils, and town centres.”
Councillor Zerny explained in the CBC statement: “I’m hugely grateful to councillor Owen for the many sacrifices he’s made during the last 18 months to ensure he gave his all to what’s an extremely challenging role.
“He can take great credit for his efforts around transitioning schools to two-tier and school attainment, and for being a strong corporate parent for our cared for and care leaving children. He leaves this role with my gratitude and appreciation.
“Councillor Mackey and councillor Childs bring experience, energy and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families across our area.”
The Central Bedfordshire SEND Action Group said in a social media post: “Gareth has always been known for his integrity and fairness as a councillor, so we truly hope to see this carried into his new role.”
The SNAP (special needs action panel) parent carer forum steering group complained to the CBC monitoring officer in December 2024 that councillor Owen had misrepresented SNAP PCF at a joint budget scrutiny meeting held that month.
The steering group also raised a complaint at the same time based on how parents were being communicated with about this on the SEND Action Group Facebook page.
A CBC standards sub-committee hearing is due to be held at Priory House in Chicksands next Friday (January 16) to consider this complaint.