Lack of access raised at social care debate
BBCServing you in the Brock's Corner cafe in Rochford could be someone with learning disabilities who is supported by funding from the local authority.
With days until the local elections, those who want to serve them on Essex County or Southend City Council have come to take their questions on social care.
Representatives from political parties took questions from young people and adults who receive social care, their parents and siblings and carers themselves.
There was one theme that was raised in many questions: access or indeed the lack of it within services such as transport, education and parks.
Robert Norton, 40, was born partially sighted and is on the autistic spectrum.
He co-chaired the debate held by Making Care Fair.
"We want to know for people with learning disabilities in the Southend and Essex area why they are not coping with learning disabilities" he told the BBC.
Funding concerns came up several times.
Kerry Green, 48, from Thundersley was one of those to raise it.
She cares for several members of her family in her home including her mum, brother and children. Her son attends Badger's Den daycare centre next door to where this debate is taking place.
"I don't feel that anybody who has a disability that prevents them from working or who isn't earning money should have to pay for their care".
The photographer said the money her family members receive is not enough to cover their care.
Conservative Tony Ball, the cabinet member for Education on Essex County Council, said "social care is a demand-led service".
"We do budget, but if a child turns up with particularly complex needs and needs to be fostered, put in a children's home we could be talking about half-a-million pounds".
Sam Reed, Lib Dem, said "fighting and battling" the system had "a mental health impact on the parents and the carers".
Bella Armstrong, from the Heritage party, said: "It's really sad - we shouldn't have to justify our disability".
Liam Lonergan, a carer who is standing for the Greens said the party would "prioritise social care".
Carl Mansfield attends a day care centre in Rochford and told the candidates how on buses and trains "there is often [only] one spot for people with wheelchairs".
The 36-year-old from Hockley added "some of the students can't possibly board the bus if that spot is full".
He wants councils to intervene and get bus companies to make additional space.
Tania Tipper added: "As support workers it's very frustrating. We like to use public transport with our guys to give them a bit of independency".
The carer, who works at Forget Me Not day centre, said disabled people were unable to get on buses in Essex if the wheelchair area is full or if a ramp is not available on trains.
She said it was an issued which they have raised for the past three years.
"It is really sad because there are so many people that would use public transport but they are just knocked back every time.
"It's not fair - Why are they being treated so different just because they are in a chair?"
County councils such as Essex and unitary authorities like Southend and Thurrock are responsible for bus services in their areas.
They can subsidise services and work with private bus operators on what routes to serve.
The Transport Act 2000 requires buses of a certain size to have at least one wheelchair space. The government is looking to improve accessibility on trains through increased funding.
Lonergan said "there isn't adequate provision" and mentioned bus user groups as a good way to advocate for change.
Michael Hoy, representing the Liberal Democrats, told the audience "buses are privately run companies" suggesting there was "only so much" councillors can do.
Ball said with newer buses being added to services the problem would be reduced.
Once there is a Greater Essex Mayor they will have more powers over transport, he added.
The lion's share of spending by county and unitary authorities outside of London is on social care.
According to BBC analysis, 73% of Essex County Council's £1.3bn of spending on services goes on social care.
That leaves 27% of its budget for dealing with important issues like pothole repairs, libraries and processing household waste and recycling.
The council currently supports 5,750 children and young people through social care and 16,500 adults.
Neighbouring Suffolk, as well as Hampshire and Devon, spend 77% of their budgets on social care - the highest proportions in England.
In Southend, the city council spends 63% of its £200m budget on social care and in Thurrock it makes up 62% of the council's £137m of spending.
For Tracey Cook, a senior support worker from Rochford, it is access to parks for those in wheelchairs.
"Locally we have so many amazing parks but none of them have any wheelchair facilities like a nest swing".
The 47-year-old said the nearest suitable parks were in Pitsea or Brentwood - about a-half-hour drive away.
Leigh Keeble from Hockley raised access to further education for people with learning disabilities over the age of 19.
She said some young adults were struggling to access courses.
"Hopefully they will take on board what was said and investigate further" Keeble said after the debate.
All five main parties were invited to take part in the debate put on by Making Care Fair.
Labour and Reform UK were unable to attend according to the panel organisers.
A Labour government spokesperson said "We are addressing the adult social care sector's urgent need for support with over £4.6bn funding available for adult social care in 2028-29 compared to 2025-26."
A Reform UK spokesperson said social care funding was "broken".
"We are committed to closing the funding gap through meaningful national reform, including making careers in health and social care more attractive to tackle chronic workforce shortages."
Party leader Sir Ed Davey MP said "The Liberal Democrats will fix social care, making sure vulnerable people get the care they need while freeing up councils to focus on filling potholes, cleaner streets and better local services."
Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew accused the government of making things worse.
"Labour's Jobs Tax blasted a £2.8 billion hole into an already struggling care sector."
The Green party said it would push for an additional £20bn investment in the NHS and social care.
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
