Edinburgh’s budget omits funding for holiday hubs. Services crucial for kids needing support will be impacted.
This year, hubs got £100,000 extra. It only pays for new managers, though. It won’t increase available spots or program time.
Councillor Kumar thanked parents who spoke to the council. She praised their courage for their kids’ sake. She regrets that Labour councillors saw no value; she said this is a cut to past service levels. It impacts families needing essential support.
One parent said they feel unheard by councillors. They are voicing needs of disabled kids. These children lack equal opportunities. Parents campaigned for the vital holiday hubs, but feel forgotten until the situation was critical.
Another parent said current services are not enough. Hub requests doubled, but funding is limited. No plans assess needs-based allocation exist, so some needy kids may get excluded.
Councillor Watt said she hears parents’ concerns. Some councillors are also parents of kids with extra needs. She felt some comments were insulting to them. These councillors care deeply for all children. More money wouldn’t fairly create more places this year, but they will constructively review provision needs. The city wants to serve kids and families needing the most help.