Children with Additional Support Needs should not pay the price of economic choices
On September 3rd 2024, a report was brought to the Council to make £900,000 of savings by scrapping the Holiday Hubs programme used by many families across Edinburgh. Lib Dem Education spokesperson Councillor Davidson and Finance spokesperson Lewis Younie have ruled out that cut as part of the Liberal Democrat budget proposals for 2025/26.
Councillor Lewis Younie said “I can’t in good conscience leave these potential cuts on the table. We think this is the wrong saving to accept and will cause hurt to some of the most vulnerable families across the city. It’s now imperative other parties in the Council follow our lead and give that reassurance.”
Savings more generally will likely need to be made across a number of services due to the Council’s poor financial position after years of Scottish government underfunding.
While Liberal Democrat councillors have ruled out this cut, the party would like to see a review of how this service is carried out, with no financial savings number attached. This comes after this Summer’s Holiday Hub programme ran into last minute venue difficulties.
Local Forth ward Councillor Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said “Many local residents have been clear on the negative affect this would have on young people across the city. While it is not a statutory provision that the Council provides, we understand the importance of this service not just for the children who take part but also for their families, giving parents time to work or some much-needed respite from non-stop caring responsibilities. We will continue to support families and children with disabilities to the best we can throughout a very tough Budget Setting process in the coming months.”