Article in Thanet Extra on Thanet District Council’s plan to ban foster homes in Cliftonville West:
Labour’s parliamentary candidate for South Thanet, Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt, has condemned the proposal, branding it “short-sighted”.
“Cliftonville West is the fourth poorest ward in England, with all the social problems this entails” she said. “Keeping young people safe must be our top priority, but the under-funding of social services, education and policing is having a direct impact on children’s safety. I believe we should be treating the causes of poverty and insecurity rather than discriminating against the worst affected young people. There are some excellent foster carers in Cliftonville West who need to be better supported in their role. In light of the national shortage of foster carers, Thanet District Council should be demanding additional resources to become a centre of excellence for care services and a place of refuge for some of the most vulnerable children in society. As the updated policy is even harsher than the previous one – a total ban rather than a ban on households of six plus – I would say this is a grave mistake.”
