Monmouthshire council leader's 'disappointment' with Newport council's withdrawal from SenCom

Concerns have been raised about the reaction of Newport council’s leader to opposition over its withdrawal from a regional children’s support service.

Councillor Debbie Wilcox criticsed Monmouthshire council for ‘challenging the sovereign decision’ of Newport council to pull out of the Sensory and Communication Support Service (SenCom).

A motion opposing the withdrawal was tabled by Monmouthshire council’s Labour group leader, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, on December 20.

But Cllr Wilcox said the debate that followed failed to include facts contained within an email sent to Cllr Batrouni by Roger Thurlbeck, head of SenCom, on the same day of the meeting.

Since then the law firm Watkins and Gunn, representing a child currently using the service, has launched a legal challenge against Newport council’s decision.

Speaking at full council on Thursday, Monmouthshire council leader Peter Fox said he welcomed the response from Cllr Wilcox, who he has ‘great respect for’.

But Cllr Fox took issue with Cllr Wilcox’s comments regarding the ‘appropriateness’ of the motion.

“If you do something which undermines the shared service and affects your own sovereignty in the people you are representing, it does become an issue for other councils,” said Cllr Fox.

“I’m disappointed that all the information hasn’t been forthcoming and perhaps it will be made available when it’s been completed.”

Mr Thurlbeck’s email was quoted by Cllr Wilcox in an email to Councillor Richard John, cabinet member for children and young people in Monmouthshire.

The email exchange was brought to full council by Cllr John, who had formally requested that Newport share its impact assessments relating to the decision to withdraw.

Cllr Wilcox’s response contains neither assessment but quotes a letter from Roger Thurlbeck, head of SENCOM, saying that the ‘right levels of support’ would be given to children in the four remaining authorities.

Cllr John added that he would be meeting with his opposite numbers at the four other Gwent authorities to discuss the issue next week.

Mr Thurlbeck is due to attend a meeting of Monmouthshire’s children and young people select committee on Thursday, January 24.

Newport council were asked for comment.