By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Bassetlaw District Council has become the latest local authority to pass a motion to give people who have lived in the care system more protections.
The idea behind the motions, which have been passed by more than 30 councils so far, was prompted by Terry Galloway,
Mr Galloway grew up in care himself and today campaigns for better rights for those with lived experience of the care system.
He has been attempting to get all local authorities across the country to adopt better protections in the absence of legislation from the Government.
Mr Galloway’s ultimate aim is to change the law so the Equality Act 2010 recognises care experience as a protected characteristic, similar in that to race and disability, so it is considered when policies are drawn up.
Local authorities which adopt the protected characteristic move have a responsibility to ensure the lives of people with care experience are not impacted by their circumstances, with many having trouble finding homes, jobs and accessing opportunities later in life due to discrimination.
Some of these councils include Ashfield District Council, one of the first lower-tier councils to pass such a motion, Labour-run Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
Labour-run Bassetlaw District Council has passed a motion to do the same at Full Council on Thursday, June 22.
Cllr Alan Rhodes (Lab), cabinet member for corporate and financial services, who proposed the motion at full council, said: “As councillors we want to challenge the negative attitudes and prejudice that exists against young people leaving the care system, and those who have care experience, and ensure they are given a greater level of support.”
Cllr Dan Henderson (Lab), who represents East Retford East and seconded the motion, added: “Care leavers and care experienced people continue to encounter widespread discrimination in all aspects of their life and we have sent a clear message that care leavers should be supported in order to achieve their full potential.”
The passing of the motion comes shortly after care leavers visited 10 Downing Street, alongside Mr Galloway, to hand a petition to the Government calling for a change in equality law.
Changing legislation had been a recommendation of the independent review of children’s social care, chaired by Josh MacAlister.
However, in response to the review the Government said it did not believe a change in the law would have a positive impact in its most recent children’s social care strategy.
Mr Galloway said: “The reality is care experienced people are suffering and dying and we need to do something now.”
He thanked Bassetlaw District Council for becoming the latest council to act.
