Education, and equality

Published: 9 June, 2011

• THIS week, Camden’s cabinet makes a decision on cuts to Early Years Services.

This may mean the closure of two children’s centres, Caversham and Acol, (though Caversham may be offered to the community to run) and slashing the number of free spaces available.

I am concerned this is being decided without sufficient understanding of the impacts, as required by the Equality Act 2010. The act is about promotion of equality of opportunity and promoting good relations as well as non-discrimination.

Though Camden has gone through the motions of developing equality impact assessments, there is little analysis of the impact on children. The loss of Acol and Caversham, the increase in early years charges by 10 per cent, and substantial reduction in the number of free services, could have a substantial impact on children from lower income families and also to BME families or children of disabled parents. It was in the past considered to be important to have such services to advance the prospects of these children. Now they are being cut by a Labour council.

The analysis shows only a limited interest in the impact on women. Mothers may need to or want to go back to work. They often work for small amounts after a range of costs and a 10 per cent increase may make it uneconomic for many to work. The cabinet should know the impact before they make a decision. Sufficient affordable childcare is central for equality of opportunity.

Staffing issues also raise equality concerns. By adopting a strategy that is likely to lead to redundancies or re-employment on worse terms and conditions, women are likely to suffer a disproportionate impact. 

Despite these being hard times for the council, I would still expect to see proper consideration for equality issues.

We shouldn’t be failing the most vulnerable among us. So a plea to Labour to examine the impact and to think again.

CLLR MAYA DE SOUZA
Green Party, Highgate ward