Statement from Coventry Socialist Party councillor Dave Nellist

Earlier this year Coventry's Labour Council proposed to remove £1 million from the annual £1.8 million budget for day care at Sure Start centres.  This was to plug a financial hole in other parts of the children's budget. The proposal caused an outcry from parents, and has resulted in a petition of over 3000 in opposition.  The parents campaign was supported by local trades unionists, socialists, and other members of Coventry against the Cuts.

Consultation finished at the weekend.  In addition to attending the local consultation meeting in Hillfields,  I submitted a response in support of the parents in their campaign.  This is that response:

 "I am fundamentally opposed to the reduction from full-time care to sessional care, and the ending of any care to the under twos.  At a time of rising unemployment placing a further barrier in front of working parents is wrong. 

 I also think it is a fundamental mistake to limit services to those said to be the most disadvantaged.  I believe bringing together children from mixed backgrounds and abilities would continue to be beneficial to all the children and parents attending.  That, in fact, I understood to be the main ethos of Sure Start.

 I do not agree that the Council should withdraw from this area of provision and place its hope in the private or voluntary sector filling the gap.  I believe the experience, qualifications and commitment of our own staff should be recognised, valued and preserved - not cut in this way.

 This plan to reduce the day care in our Sure Start Children's Centres is essentially defeatist;  dressing it up in the language of 'improved access the most vulnerable children and families' does not hide it from the cut that it is. 

 The resources exist to 'hold the line'.  The City Council currently has £11.5 million in unallocated reserves - half "to cover unforeseen financial problems" and half "to help manage further unforeseen issues".  The Council could allocate £0.5 million in 2011/12 from those reserves and, if necessary, £1 million in 2012/13, whilst engaging with the parents, staff and local communities in the centres affected, and across the city as a whole, as part of a joint campaign to pressurise the government to fully fund this essential front-line service. 

 That would be the inclusive approach; passing on the Government's cuts without challenge will end up with the Council, rightly, sharing the blame."

 The consultation report goes to a meeting of the Cabinet Member for Education next Wednesday, November 23rd at 1pm.  I will be presenting the parents petition that day alongside the parents themselves.

 If you're in Coventry why not come along to give them some support; the Cabinet Member's meeting is open to the public.

Socialist Party councillor Dave Nellist below, on the first protest with parents to save SureStart outside Coventry Council house.