Thank you and Continuing to Challenge.

By the time this letter goes to press, we will still not know the results of the local elections. However, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who took part whether candidates, activists, administrators, or voters. I would especially like to thank those who voted Liberal Democrats and positive change.

Local elections are not the end of a long road to achieving social justice in our communities. One issue which turned up on the doorstep was the plight of special needs children. This is of special interest for me as a governor of a successful special needs school. My school's outstanding results, thanks to the hard work of staff and the support of parents, demonstrate that real achievement is possible both academically and in individual development so that young people can forge a successful path in life.

What dismayed me talking to parents fighting battles with the education authority, Hampshire County Council, was the failure to get a good deal for their children and how bad the situation was. The provision is inadequate, and the process is for statementing and identifying the special needs is slow. Plans for addressing special needs are not going forward with the necessary urgency and too often the child is left in a limbo. This is not good either for their mental health or educational development. Parents highlighted mental health as a primary concern. Every day languishing in limbo means another day lost to life enhancing education, and time marches on.

There are two culprits. The first is a Westminster government which has taken its eyes off the ball as far as education is concerned and fails to properly finance it. The second is Hampshire County Council which has boasted about keeping tax low. Yes, that is true. But that is why they are both broke and cannot deliver services for the more vulnerable, let alone fix potholes.