Basildon Conservatives in talks to help local children during the summer

Basildon Conservatives are in direct discussions with their colleagues at County Hall to help thousands of local children and their parents during the traditional school summer holidays.

"We are considering proposals to benefit families, particularly those who are just about managing and who have been financially hit badly because of the lockdown." ~ Cllr Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council

Conservatives at both County Hall and locally are looking at ways to support families and explore how children can have fun in a safe environment during the school holidays. It is hoped that the provision of some advice, activities and facilities could help parents who may be returning to work or looking for employment as restrictions start to be eased over Coronavirus COVID 19.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at ECC, Cllr Louise McKinlay, said: “I am looking closely at what can be done to support families over the summer throughout Essex and I am delighted that Conservatives in Basildon are taking a lead in their borough and talking with me directly. Ideas are still in very early stages and obviously are subject to government guidance but we are considering proposals to benefit families, particularly those who are just about managing and who have been financially hit badly because of the lockdown. Working together we shall do all we can to support them and their children.“

"Supporting families is hugely important and gives them and our local communities a real chance to come out of COVID 19 restrictions with a positive outlook." ~ Cllr Andrew Baggott, Leader of Basildon Conservatives

Cllr Andrew Baggott, Leader of Basildon Conservatives, said: “We have been working closely with our colleagues at County Hall who look after education and children’s services to see if there are ways we can help parents and youngsters through the 6 weeks of summer holidays. The recent events have meant that many will have been off for 4 months. Supporting families is hugely important and gives them and our local communities a real chance to come out of COVID 19 restrictions with a positive outlook."

With efforts to work up proposals now underway, details will be shared as soon as they are finalised.