Lib Dems Accuse Surrey County Council of Stifling Debate on Key Issues

Published on: 13 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 13 Dec, 2024

By Martin Giles

Surrey Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative administration of Surrey County Council of shutting down meaningful debate on crucial issues affecting vulnerable children during Wednesday’s full council meeting.

Two important motions, proposed for cross-party debate, were, they say, effectively silenced by the Conservative majority. One motion, put forward by Cllr Liz Townsend

Cllr Liz Townsend

(Lib Dem, Cranleigh & Ewhurst), called for greater transparency and accountability in the council’s handling of decisions for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The second motion, proposed by the Green Party and formally supported by Cllr Townsend, highlighted the need to strengthen early help provision and reflect on the positive legacy of Sure Start Centres, which were cut by the council.

A spokesperson for SCC responded only to say: “The process followed at the council meeting on 10 December in relation to these two motions were in line with the council’s constitution.”

Cllr Townsend expressing her “deep disappointment” with the process, said: “Stifling debate on important topics like these makes a mockery of the whole motion process. Full council meetings should provide an opportunity for all members to engage in meaningful public discussions about services that matter to our residents. By refusing to allow these debates, the Conservative administration is undermining trust in the system and removing a vital mechanism for holding those in power to account.

“This is not the first time this tactic has been used and the lack of open debate damages public confidence in local democracy. It seems that open discussions about SEND and family support are being actively discouraged. Nevertheless, Surrey Lib Dems will continue to fight for the voices of families and children with additional needs to be heard.”

Cllr Fiona Davidson

A spokesperson for the Residents’ Association and Independent Group at SCC supported the Lib Dem complaint adding: “Members of our group have been raising concerns about the SEND system and its implementation at SCC since 2021.

“Cllr Fiona Davidson (R4GV, Guildford South East), deputy leader of the Group and Chair of the Children and Families Select Committee, has been tireless in driving for greater transparency and accountability on SEND.

“She was instrumental in initiating the Task and Finish group that recently published its report into the experiences of parents and carers of children with SEND. This report brought into the open the stark differences between what parents and carers report, and what SCC officers report. With a few exceptions the recommendations made by the Select Committee as a result of this report were dismissed by the Cabinet and officers.

“Cllr Catherine Powell (Farnham Residents, Farnham North) leader of the group has also highlighted the need for transparency around the SEND panel process, with questions at the October and December Council meetings. The response – shockingly – was that no information is held. We will continue to champion for compliance with the Nolan Principles, particularly openness, objectivity, accountability and honesty.”

Cllr Paul Follows

Paul Follows, leader of Surrey Lib Dems (Godalming South, Milford & Witley), echoed Cllr Townsend’s concerns: “This is one of the few mechanisms available for the entire council to debate and scrutinise issues of public importance. Referring motions to another committee is simply a tactic to shut down discussion, as we’ve seen in cases like the recent call-in on the London Road Active Travel Scheme.”