Sefton Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee met last night to feed back on the performance of its children’s services
Voice of the Families campaign group(Image: Handout)
Parents in Sefton have demanded to know ‘who called the police on us?’ after a peaceful protest conducted outside Bootle Town Hall last night (Tuesday, June 4).
The Voice of the Families (VotF) is a campaign group which says it aims to raise awareness about the plight of parents in Sefton as they fight for improved support services for children. Many of the campaigners are parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities who feel let down by Sefton Council and have claimed their complaints have led to them being ‘targeted’ in some cases.
VotF representative, David Moorhead reiterated this fear at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Children’s Services in the council chamber, asking committee members: “Who sent the email to the police to inform them that Voices of the Families were protesting tonight, and why we were interrogated by the police as we stood outside the town hall?
“We would appreciate to find out who called the police on us, because we do feel targeted. That was a very unpleasant experience.”
Merseyside Police confirmed to the Liverpool ECHO it had a log about a peaceful protest at Bootle Town Hall and that local policing officers gave it passing attention before moving on without any incidents recorded.
Cllr Chloe Parker told the committee she did not know who emailed police about the VotF protest but would look into the matter.
The council’s regular meeting encourages parents to submit questions and proposals to members of the committee for consideration. As part of this process VotF representative, David Moorhead presented a petition asking for the local authority to allow parents/carers to bring someone to act as a witness, be there for support or advocate on their behalf.
Bootle Town Hall(Image: LDRS)
The petition stated: “The Equality Act 2010 requires reasonable adjustments to be made for disabled individuals, including parents with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or anxiety—many of whom may feel overwhelmed attending alone.
“No family should be denied support at a meeting that can profoundly impact their child’s future. Denying the presence of a witness not only creates a power imbalance but could be deemed unfair and in breach of natural justice.”
Responding to the petition, director of children’s services, Dr Risthardh Hare said: “I want to reassure everyone in this room that our current policy already allows any parent or carer to bring someone with them to meetings — whether that be a friend, a family member, an advocate, or another support person of their choice.
“We recognise the value of having someone present to offer moral support, take notes, or simply provide reassurance during what can sometimes be difficult conversations.
“At the same time, I want to respect that not all parents or carers wish to have someone present. We are aware some families can feel pressured into inviting others into these meetings. Families may feel uneasy speaking honestly and openly about their problems in front of others. They may also be concerned that their private information could be used against them which may lead to safeguarding concerns.
“In the occasions where we are aware, some families have requested the social worker makes a decision not to let other people attend these meetings.”
“If there is a perception that this right is not being communicated clearly or consistently, then I absolutely agree we must do more to ensure that every parent and carer is aware of it. I am happy to take that feedback on board and work with my team to strengthen the way we communicate this from the outset.