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23
Jul
Single mum steps back from Harrogate council duties due to childcare costs
A single mother has stepped back from her duties as a Harrogate town councillor because she is unable to get financial help towards childcare.
Liberal Democrat Josie Caven was elected to represent Kingsley at the inaugural Harrogate Town Council election on May 1.
Councillors are not paid, and besides having to attend monthly full council meetings, also sit on various committees. They are also legally unable to claim for childcare costs.
Cllr Caven was appointed to three committees, but said in a post on her councillor social media page she had withdrawn from two.
She said it had been a “really hard few months since the election” and “never thought I would have to balance my family and supporting my residents as a single mother”.
Her letter to fellow councillors and the clerk informing them of her decision says:
The regulations mean that I do not have access to financial support to help cover childcare costs when attending committee meetings, training or other such council duties.
Regrettably, the financial burden and logistical challenges have begun to affect my capacity to fully prepare for and actively contribute to committee meetings. I believe that, under these current circumstances, I cannot continue to support the committees to the best of my abilities, nor deliver the standard of commitment that my fellow councillors and our residents deserve.
Delivering the highest quality of work in such a crucial role is of paramount importance to me; I feel it is more responsible and respectful to step aside at this time. I remain fully committed to Harrogate Town Council and I am hopeful that, when this legislation changes, I may once again offer my time in service to the finance committee and other council responsibilities.
The Stray Ferret has reported previously on the gender imbalance in local politics. Just one of the 18 parliamentary candidates in the three constituencies that cover the former Harrogate district at last year’s general election was a woman, and all three current MPs are men.
Last week concerns were raised over the fact that just three of North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative-run cabinet are women.
The Stray Ferret asked Cllr Caven how she felt the system could be amended to help parents but has not had a response.
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