HARLOW Labour councillors have hit out at plans to charge for services for disabled children.

Sam’s Place, a hugely important service for the families of disabled children, located at Harlow Fields school, is under threat from Essex County Council who are demanding that Harlow District Council charge parents for use of it for the first time Labour claim.

Sam’s Place provides development and interaction opportunities for young people with disabilities, catering for both Harlow and the surrounding area. 

Up until now Harlow Council have provided the service free of charge.  However, Conservative run Essex County Council, who own the building but do not provide the service, are demanding that parents now pay for the service, adding further financial burden to parents of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.  Their argument being that this sort of service is charged for in other parts of Essex and that they want parents to get used to ‘having to pay’ for this kind of provision.

Cllr Chris Vince, Portfolio holder for Community and Wellbeing at Harlow District Council, said ‘I am hugely disappointed that Essex County Council are demanding that we charge parents for Sam’s Place.  I am proud that Harlow Council provide this sort of service for free and will continue to argue that it is totally unacceptable to expect parents who are already facing a great deal of hardship to have to now pay for it.  I urge Essex County Council to reconsider their decision and to think about the lives that are being effected by it.’

Cllr Mark Ingall, leader of Harlow Council said ‘it is disgraceful that Conservative led Essex County Council are demanding that Labour run Harlow district council should charge for the use of Sam’s place.  This is a vital service for the families that use it and it should remain free.”

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “As part of our “Short Breaks” offer to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, Essex County Council grant funds to over 30 organised clubs and activities around the county. 

“These organisations provide access to support that enables children and young people to participate in positive activities.  Parents wishing to access this offer are fully aware of the requirement to make a contribution for attendance, and this expectation is published in our brochure.

“In order to maintain a fair and equitable offer to all our families across Essex it would not be appropriate to make an exception for one organisation when all others who benefit from these grants make a charge to parents. We are working very closely with Harlow Council officers to resolve this issue.”