'We need access' - South Tyneside's Green Party leader calls to see the evidence on the future of Stanley's
South Tyneside’s Green Party leader has called for access to documents relating to the future of Stanley’s nurseries.
The leader of the South Tyneside Green Party is asking to see the evidence behind the proposed cuts to Stanley’s nurseries.
Cllr Rachael Taylor, of the Biddick and All Saints ward, has expressed her concerns over councillors scrutinising major decisions without access to the details behind them.
Staff at the South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s) have been in a consultation over the future of their jobs since mid-June - with the process having closed in recent weeks.
South Tyneside Council’s Cabinet is set to meet on September 23, where a decision on the future of the service is expected to be made before being debated by the full council.
It is understood that South Tyneside Council holds documents that will be used to consider the future of Stanley’s, however, they are not being shared with elected officials ahead of the Cabinet meeting.
‘We need access to the evidence’
Cllr Taylor states that the Education and Skills Committee won’t meet until after a decision on Stanley’s has been made and has called for “a meaningful opportunity to scrutinise the proposals in a timely manner”.
She said: “As Green Group Leader I believe our requests for information have been entirely reasonable.
“We have asked to see the evidence behind proposals that could affect children, families and the staff that work there, including the Early Years Review and Impact Assessments.
“I also sit on the Education and Skills Committee.
“At our meeting on August 27, we were unable to discuss Stanley’s because the consultation had been extended and was not formally due to close until September 1.
“Cabinet is then due to consider the options on September 23, with the outcome of the consultation planned for September 28, while Education and Skills Committee is not due to discuss Stanley’s until October 8.
“I am really concerned that councillors are being asked to scrutinise a major decision after key decisions and the consultation outcome have already taken place.
“We need access to the evidence and a meaningful opportunity to scrutinise the proposals in a timely manner before final decisions are made.”