Labour proposes amendments to support mental health services to young hit hard by lockdown

10 February 2022 – At the meeting of Warwickshire County Council on Tuesday 8 February where councillors agreed the 2022/23 budget, Labour proposed a set of amendments to the Conservatives’ proposal.  Labour’s recommendations focused on helping young people hit hard by the pandemic and providing more mental health support.

Labour voted against the Conservatives budget proposals.

Labour Group Leader, Cllr John Holland said: “I have a lot of reservations about the Plan. In reference to the White Paper about levelling up, I think levelling up is the key to the whole thing.

“In 2010 there was no need for food banks in Warwickshire; we now have a lot, and I’d like a plan that has an exact date when we will no longer need food banks.”

Cllr Sarah Feeny, who proposed the Labour recommendations, said:

“I think everyone is really concerned by the epidemic of mental health amongst our young people and we believe the Council can do more to help.  We believe that more can be done in Warwickshire. I know many, many young people have been affected by the pandemic and have struggled with isolation.  More needs to be invested and we proposed investing £900,000 to provide targeted support for young people to improve mental health and well-being. Failure to invest in our young people now, will be failing our future.”

Labour Group leader, Cllr John Holland added:

“We know that investing in children at the start of their lives means much better lives for many.  Early years are so important, and we want to invest £1.4 million in the first 1,001 days of a child’s life.  This investment would provide more support for struggling families. It would mean we can support parents and give mental health support in early years.

“We also recommended further investment in Community Mental Health to develop activities that can improve mental health in our community.”