'I’ll be their champion' says Central Bedfordshire Council's new children's services portfolio holder
The new executive member for children’s services in Central Bedfordshire is promising to be “a champion” for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as for the area’s schools.
Independent Flitwick councillor Gareth Mackey has been appointed Central Bedfordshire Council’s executive member for children and families, after his predecessor in the role, Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Steve Owen, revealed he was sacked last week.
An inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in November 2019 found “significant areas of weakness” in the local SEND offer, with a written statement of action required from CBC and its health authority partners after a critical report.
CBC produced a SEND strategy in 2022, setting out local area priorities for improving services and outcomes for children and young people. But demand for these services has risen steadily, putting pressure on the council to provide enough school places.
As part of changes to the executive, CBC announced: “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.
“Given the scale and complexity of this remit, it requires a significant level of executive time and capacity. Improving outcomes for all children remains a key priority, and the breadth of this portfolio is considerable.”
Councillor Mackey told the local democracy reporting service in a statement: “I’m delighted to be taking up the responsibility, with councillor Childs beside me.
“We approach the role knowing we must strive for continuous improvement,” he said. “We owe it to our residents to support children, families and our schools to the best of our ability, being both empathetic, supportive and respectful in dealing with their needs.
“Recognising the considerable national challenges councils face in funding and an ever growing demand, it’s incumbent on us to navigate these difficulties and help our communities thrive.
“We aim to be activist in our approach to challenge the government for a fair deal for local schools and our SEND community, which is being let down time and again.
“I’ll be their champion,” he declared. “I’ll listen carefully and walk step-by-step along with our community and officers to deliver the best council services possible.”
Council leader and Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny explained last week: “Councillor Owen leaves this role with my gratitude and appreciation.
“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.
“Councillor Mackey and councillor Childs bring experience, energy and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families across our area.”
Central Bedfordshire SEND Action Group said on social media: “Gareth has always been well known for his integrity and fairness as a councillor, so we truly hope to see this carried into his new role.”
Councillor Owen acknowledged last week he was “a little surprised” and “a bit bruised” after his removal from CBC’s executive. He was told his position became “untenable” because of complaints against him due to be considered by a standards sub-committee on Friday (January 16).