Southampton's £226m education budget now run by 20 and 22-year-old (From Daily Echo)
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Southampton's £226m education budget now run by 20 and 22-year-old
11:10am Wednesday 3rd June 2009 in
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- By Jon Reeve » Education Reporter
THEY are just 20 and 22 years old and sat their final university exams only yesterday, but today they are starting work – in charge of Southampton’s £226m budget for children.
Despite officially still being in full-time education themselves, these are the two young councillors now in charge of the city’s schools and youngsters.
University of Southampton politics students, councillors Paul Holmes, 20, and Ben Walker, who turns 22 today, will start their full-time roles as city council Cabinet members for children’s services and safeguarding children respectively.
The pair replace former education boss, Cllr Peter Baillie, who has stepped down to spend more time with his family.
In their new roles they will each be eligible for a £22,000 allowance.
The young councillors, who were first elected to the council last May, insist they are up to the job.
“We’ve just come through the education system. It’s three and four years since we left mainstream school and those issues we faced are still fresh in our minds,” said Cllr Holmes.
“We can go in and really work with head teachers, governors, stakeholders and people in key departments and really listen to them and drive the vision towards what we need.
“I can understand people’s concerns, but just because I’m 20 doesn’t mean I can’t give the same dedication and time as someone older.”
Cllr Walker added: “I’m not going to pretend I know everything about the job at the moment or everything about Southampton.
“But it’s all about our willingness to learn, the way we’ve represented our wards so far, and our approach and commitment.
“We’ve spent some time shadowing Peter Baillie, who has done an exemplar job, to ensure a nice smooth transition into the job.”
They join existing Cabinet member for young people and skills, Cllr Terry Matthews, as the three councillors now responsible for the old education brief.
The Tories say that splitting education between three councillors – with a combined budget of £226m – underlines the importance they give to children’s services.
Labour group spokesman, Cllr Warwick Payne, said the councillors should be given a fair chance to prove their age is not a relevant criticism.
“Certainly, when I was elected to the council at 28 I was seen as one of the youngest members, but now I can see that I’m relatively long in the tooth by comparison.”
Comments(39)
G3orgem
says...
11:25am Wed 3 Jun 09
Paramjit Bahia
says...
11:30am Wed 3 Jun 09
Regardless lack of experience the major worry should be they are Tories and will only do what Conservatives are good at i.e. wreck whatever is left of our schools.
Northamboy
says...
11:36am Wed 3 Jun 09
Children should be seen and not heard and should be nowhere near the council offices. Buy them a bike each and tell them to go and play somewhere else for a while
sph205
says...
11:40am Wed 3 Jun 09
Some nice judgemental fools above!
Miles Way
says...
11:46am Wed 3 Jun 09
sph205 wrote:Well said
Who cares about their age? Reserve judgement until they've acted!!!
Some nice judgemental fools above!
Maybe, by having more up to date experience of the system and young people than the normal decrepit councillors they might do some good - give them the chance.
Condor Man
says...
12:21pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Paramjit Bahia wrote:seeing as you were never educated by the state- like the current Education Secretary- you have no room to criticise.
. So our schools are to become the play ground for couple of Tory kids. Regardless lack of experience the major worry should be they are Tories and will only do what Conservatives are good at i.e. wreck whatever is left of our schools.
It's good that we have a young, dynamic team to run the city, compare to the hasbeens and alsorans in the Labour and Lib Dum ranks.
Lone Ranger
says...
12:24pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Miles Way wrote:Miles Way on the assumption that you are in Canada !! you wont be here to pay for it
sph205 wrote: Who cares about their age? Reserve judgement until they've acted!!! Some nice judgemental fools above!Well said Maybe, by having more up to date experience of the system and young people than the normal decrepit councillors they might do some good - give them the chance.
Tobeblunt
says...
12:33pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Costa Baz
says...
12:36pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Miles Way wrote:Their biggest problem will be convincing people who have worked in the education system for more years than they have lived, that they know better.
sph205 wrote: Who cares about their age? Reserve judgement until they've acted!!! Some nice judgemental fools above!Well said Maybe, by having more up to date experience of the system and young people than the normal decrepit councillors they might do some good - give them the chance.
Having spent several years working for a national supermarket giant, I have witnessed first hand the way young people having been given positions of authority, failed to have the people management skills to go with the position.
I hope the council have chosen wisely, both for the sake of Southampton's schools and for the sake of 2 young men who will be scrutinised very closely over the coming months/years.
D.a.v.e
says...
12:38pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Tobeblunt wrote:Agreed, If they did nothing else this year apart from sort out that mess, they'd be worth every penny.
Well lets see how they intend to sort out the continuing mess that still surrounds Oasis Acadamy Mayfield.
Miles Way
says...
12:57pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Lone Ranger wrote:Why assume that because I'm in Canada I don't pay any UK tax? (I do BTW)
Miles Way wrote:Miles Way on the assumption that you are in Canada !! you wont be here to pay for it
sph205 wrote: Who cares about their age? Reserve judgement until they've acted!!! Some nice judgemental fools above!Well said Maybe, by having more up to date experience of the system and young people than the normal decrepit councillors they might do some good - give them the chance.
Point is, age shouldn't be an issue if they were deemed fit for the job - give them a chance.
Miles Way
says...
1:05pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Costa Baz wrote:I agree Baz, at the same time there are too many older personnel in senior positions who are wholly inadequate for the job.
Miles Way wrote:Their biggest problem will be convincing people who have worked in the education system for more years than they have lived, that they know better.
sph205 wrote: Who cares about their age? Reserve judgement until they've acted!!! Some nice judgemental fools above!Well said Maybe, by having more up to date experience of the system and young people than the normal decrepit councillors they might do some good - give them the chance.
Having spent several years working for a national supermarket giant, I have witnessed first hand the way young people having been given positions of authority, failed to have the people management skills to go with the position.
I hope the council have chosen wisely, both for the sake of Southampton's schools and for the sake of 2 young men who will be scrutinised very closely over the coming months/years.
Unfortunately, as seen from the close minded comments here people may not give them a chance to prove themselves, and if that is the attitude they face they're doomed, no matter how able they may be.
Redback
says...
1:08pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Condor Man wrote:Your first paragraph is, IMO, utter garbage.
Paramjit Bahia wrote: . So our schools are to become the play ground for couple of Tory kids. Regardless lack of experience the major worry should be they are Tories and will only do what Conservatives are good at i.e. wreck whatever is left of our schools.seeing as you were never educated by the state- like the current Education Secretary- you have no room to criticise. It's good that we have a young, dynamic team to run the city, compare to the hasbeens and alsorans in the Labour and Lib Dum ranks.
It's perfectly possible to build up an accurate picture and form a valid opinion without first hand experience.
Otherwise we would only employ ex-cons to run our prisons and would staff our hospitals with the chronically ill.
sph205
says...
1:22pm Wed 3 Jun 09
AnnieP
says...
1:22pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Give them a chance, can they really cause anymore damage to the system than has been done by the people in charge so far?!?
goard
says...
1:27pm Wed 3 Jun 09
goard
goard
Redback
says...
1:32pm Wed 3 Jun 09
How dare someone advise the citizenry on how to live their lives when they've never lived a real one of their own?
Storm Westminster!
Bartonian
says...
5:25pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Paramjit Bahia wrote:The liberal elite that has run education has done a good enough job at doing that mate!
. So our schools are to become the play ground for couple of Tory kids. Regardless lack of experience the major worry should be they are Tories and will only do what Conservatives are good at i.e. wreck whatever is left of our schools.
Jesus_02
says...
6:14pm Wed 3 Jun 09
So these full time (22k pa) roles can be undertaken by undergraduates in full time education?
The decision is astonishing. I would like to know who their fathers are and what club they belong to.
When I attempted university I had to work as a barman, a cleaner and a warehouse labourer at the same time to try and pay the bills. What will these “politicians” learn about life by remaining under the educational safety blanket for their entire life.
Miles Way
says...
6:30pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Jesus_02 wrote:What's astonishing about it?
"....will start their full-time roles as city council Cabinet"
So these full time (22k pa) roles can be undertaken by undergraduates in full time education?
The decision is astonishing. I would like to know who their fathers are and what club they belong to.
When I attempted university I had to work as a barman, a cleaner and a warehouse labourer at the same time to try and pay the bills. What will these “politicians” learn about life by remaining under the educational safety blanket for their entire life.
They were both properly elected so presumably it has nothing to do with their parents - the people obviously chose them for what they offered, and where does it say they know nothing about life or that they'll spend their entire life under the educational safety blanket (if such a thing exists)
You say you attempted university - did you finish?
Condor Man
says...
6:37pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Jesus_02 wrote:Most of them go to Bitterne Conservative Club. Membership is quite easy to come by. It's also easy to join the Itchen and Test Conservative Associations. There's no class conspiracy here, just motivated young people who have decided to make opportunities for themselves rather than relying on the state to do it for them.
"....will start their full-time roles as city council Cabinet" So these full time (22k pa) roles can be undertaken by undergraduates in full time education? The decision is astonishing. I would like to know who their fathers are and what club they belong to. When I attempted university I had to work as a barman, a cleaner and a warehouse labourer at the same time to try and pay the bills. What will these “politicians” learn about life by remaining under the educational safety blanket for their entire life.
Solent Lass
says...
7:14pm Wed 3 Jun 09
News Fanatic
says...
8:18pm Wed 3 Jun 09
bentley
says...
8:55pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Good Luck to both Ben and Paul
sadtobehere
says...
9:07pm Wed 3 Jun 09
Saints Mike
says...
10:15pm Wed 3 Jun 09
sadtobehere wrote:I think it's a bit harsh tarring all students with the same brush, Most can think, I often seen them thinking about what beer to order in the pub, whilst pleading poverty, and moaning about paying back loans.
An appalling decision to appoint two people with no work skills. University is no preparation for anything. Most of the students are incapable of thinking for themselves. Their research is usually copied and pasted with no individual work. Students have no respect for anyone. The education in Southampton is appalling and will only get worse now.
Ancient David
says...
10:50pm Wed 3 Jun 09
bentley wrote:Well said.Day after day, in these columns,the same illiterates pass judgement on topics they do not understand and can barely spell.A magic foresight allows them to comment on decisions made,before the effect of those decisions become evident.
i would like to say well done to the so called school boys who have just taken on the education budget, at least they know what is needed. rather than the good old boys who did not make such a good job of it Good Luck to both Ben and Paul
The calamity:this garbage can be read worlwide.
nikolai
says...
11:05pm Wed 3 Jun 09
As for Burns, he didn't have the most PC of views when he was smoking his cigars down Clowns or whatever horsey student hangout he chose to hang around down Bevois Valley.
And, btw, SPH205, you've dropped too many hints: go on, admit it, you are on the SU Politics course (not necessarily in the same year as these chumps) and probably in the student Tory group.
Someone should also tell these goons that professing a love for Green Day or some other mainstreamed 'alternative' band is not a byword in politics for being 'socially liberal' (I'm looking at you, Moulton).
Georgem
says...
9:27am Thu 4 Jun 09
Paramjit Bahia wrote:Please stop this ridiculous practice of hi-jacking endless stories to post your own political views. We get it. You hate Tories. Enough, already
. So our schools are to become the play ground for couple of Tory kids.
Regardless lack of experience the major worry should be they are Tories and will only do what Conservatives are good at i.e. wreck whatever is left of our schools.
sph205
says...
9:49am Thu 4 Jun 09
nikolai wrote:No - I live in Soton but I'm doing Politics at Exeter.
What is it with SU's Conservative student association?? It is responsible for producing the some of the weirdest new generation politicians in Southampton. First of all we had Conor Burns (who couldn't win Eastleigh), now these two. Jeremy Moulton is chilling as well. Then Royston Smith...well, don't get him started on immigration over a pint in one of Southampton's locals (so I have been reliably informed), after all wouldn't be the sort of things that Dave Cameron would like to see re-printed in the rubbish local rag, would it?! As for Burns, he didn't have the most PC of views when he was smoking his cigars down Clowns or whatever horsey student hangout he chose to hang around down Bevois Valley. And, btw, SPH205, you've dropped too many hints: go on, admit it, you are on the SU Politics course (not necessarily in the same year as these chumps) and probably in the student Tory group. Someone should also tell these goons that professing a love for Green Day or some other mainstreamed 'alternative' band is not a byword in politics for being 'socially liberal' (I'm looking at you, Moulton).
Roderick Charrington-Smythe
says...
11:23am Thu 4 Jun 09
I did, however, go to University, whereupon I discovered a world of drunken debauchery and dreadfully elastic morals. After a "hilarious" incident with an artichoke, I took my leave of the place, never to return. Cambridge was also such a nasty town, far too many cathedrals.
Once upon a time, I produced what I hoped would be an heir, but the state schooling system addled his mind and turned him into the filthy communist I had to disinherit and throw out on his ear two years ago. I blame the Labour Government, and the key of freedom it has given to the EUrocrats who continue to pilliage and plunder this country to line the pockets of French farmers, German sausage makers and Italian curry houses.
We should secede from the EU forthwith - think of the children.
Roderick Charrington-Smythe III
southy
says...
1:37pm Thu 4 Jun 09
on another note how many people did not receive there polling id card though the post, there seems to be a load that was not delivered.
Roderick Charrington-Smythe
says...
5:47pm Thu 4 Jun 09
Either way, I have recieved my polling card and shall be heading down to vote, should I find a party who is not concerned with sponging off the state to fund such trifles as moats and duck houses. I will have you know that I had to sell my ducks to buy the duck house, except for my favourite, Mildred. She tasted lovely.
freemantlegirl2
says...
7:43am Fri 5 Jun 09
Paramjit Bahia wrote:Education should transcend party politics!!
. So our schools are to become the play ground for couple of Tory kids. Regardless lack of experience the major worry should be they are Tories and will only do what Conservatives are good at i.e. wreck whatever is left of our schools.
I personally have grown fed up of trying to get/invite Peter baille to events/committee (that i sit on) only to receive no reply!
They need to have a handle on children with SEN, as this is one of the most important and vital develoments in the city.
I'm a labour voter but am 'gown up' enough to understand that if someone does a good job then it doesn't matter what party they're from. Slagging them of because they're Tories is frankly childish!
Vconfused
says...
10:10pm Sat 6 Jun 09
Also, isn't it just a bit of a stunt?
Vconfused
says...
10:24pm Sat 6 Jun 09
Vconfused
says...
10:24pm Sat 6 Jun 09
Alicesdad
says...
5:04pm Tue 23 Jun 09
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New Education Team: Councillors Ben Walker, above left, and Paul Holmes, above right, will now jointly be in charge of the budget for Southampton’s schools and youngsters
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goard says...
11:22am Wed 3 Jun 09
lets get rid of the quangos and put in some youngsters to rule the City - surely they will do a better job.
goard