Dear resident,
Your feedback matters.
So many local people have told me how much they want to see Bournemouth town centre improve. As a local resident I agree. I am trying to do everything I can to help develop a plan for positive change. You can see more about that in the video.
Please take a moment to have a look and fill in the survey at the bottom of this page.. On this every voice matters.
I want to extend my thanks to everyone who participated in my recent survey. Your feedback is invaluable and is already generating great ideas for our community. If you missed the survey, there's still time to have your say:
This survey is more than just a questionnaire; it's a way for you to directly influence improvements in Bournemouth West.
Every voice matters, and I am here to listen and take action on your behalf.
📢 Update on SEND School Funding and Community Engagement
I also wanted to update you on the SEND funding issue in education. Many of you will have seen in the media proposals that seem to have come from BCP Council to take 11% of school funding away to fix their deficit. This is not acceptable and I will do everything I can to stop it from happening. Local headteachers have been rightly vocal in their opposition to this. You can see some of the things I have been doing on this below as well.
Secretary of State for Education, the Rt. Hon. Gillian Keegan MP
Concerns Regarding BCP Council's Management of SEN
On the 19th of January 2024, I expressed serious concerns about BCP Council's management of SEN. Understandably, parents and headteachers share these concerns, especially regarding BCP's plans to use the 'safety valve' to divert school budgets.
Listening to our educators, I have reached out to local school leaders to understand their perspectives and ensure that ministers fully comprehend our community's position before finalising any decisions. I am advocating for an inclusive decision-making process, where the concerns of our school communities are acknowledged and carefully considered.
I have already engaged with the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt. Hon. Gillian Keegan, to ensure that your voices are heard as residents of Bournemouth West.
Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, David Johnston OBE MP
Meeting with Minister for Children
On the 24th of January 2024, I had a productive meeting with David Johnston MP, the Minister for Children. The focus of our discussion was the concerning management of SEND budgets by BCP Council. Over the years, there has been a growing concern about how these budgets are handled and the council's plan to divert funding from our schools.
Alongside Sir Robert Syms MP, we emphasised that while there may have been local mismanagement, it is absolutely unacceptable for our schools to suffer as a result.
BCP Council must develop a sustainable plan and move away from a "head in the sand" approach. Our children's education is at stake, and we are committed to safeguarding their future.
We will continue to advocate for a solution that protects our schools and ensures the quality of education they provide.
Thank you for taking time to look at this and again, please do take the time to fill in the survey below. I read every response.
Best wishes,
Conor
