News / SEND
Independent inquiry likely to look into council ‘spying’ scandal
An external inquiry into Bristol’s ‘spying’ scandal looks likely to be given the go-ahead by councillors.
It’s the latest twist in the controversy over the use of social media by Bristol City Council staff in 2022 which saw the viewing and sharing of posts from members of the Bristol Parent Carer Forum.
A meeting of the Children & Young People’s Committee on August 28 will see councillors discuss whether to launch the independent external review.
is needed now More than ever
The council previously carried out an internal investigation and published a subsequent ‘fact-finding report’ which found “no evidence that systematic monitoring took place” much to the chagrin of many parents.
Under the previous mayoral administration, a majority of councillors voted to commission an independent investigation in 2022 but this has never happened.
City Hall staff have been accused of being ‘spies’ – photo: X
The council claim that “there is no evidence to suggest that the concerns raised in 2022 continue today” but writing on X, SEND campaigner Jen Smith – whose personal social media accounts were monitored by council staff – said “the clown show continues”.
Smith added: “Lots of the people who spied are still working at the council. I think we can just understand that it is how they operate.
“They might get on fine with the parent carer forum these days. But they best mind that fractured relationship. It’s now tectonic plates coming together.”
Christine Townsend, chair of the children & young people committee, said: “We are committed to working with our SEND families in the city, and co-production must be at the heart of everything we do.
“We’re listening to those who feel that what occurred in 2022 was not properly addressed and we’re now opening this discussion up to committee members to decide a way forward.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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