DCC fails to reveal budget for deaf children

The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) has reported Devon County Council to the Information Commissioner for failing to reveal how much money is available to fund education services for deaf children.

Despite two warnings, it has been alleged that the council has failed to comply with a Freedom of Information request to reveal its budget.

Investigation by NDCS shows, in the last five years, local councils in England have cut the money available to fund essential services for deaf children, such as Teachers of the Deaf.

The latest figures from the Government show nearly two thirds of deaf children (64%) are failing to achieve five good GCSEs and the attainment gap between deaf children and their hearing peers has widened since 2013.

There are fears that, as local budgets continue to be squeezed, deaf children could be further affected.

Jo Campion, Deputy Director of Policy and Campaigns at NDCS said: “The lack response shows a disregard for deaf children and a lack of understanding of the importance of these services.

“Deaf children can achieve the same as any other child but the right support needs to be available to them.

“The silence from Devon County Council makes us fear the worst - that even more deaf children’s services will be falling under the axe this year, with parents being kept in the dark until it’s too late. This will have a serious impact on deaf children’s futures.”

The National Deaf Children’s Society sent Freedom of Information requests to 150 local authorities in England as part of the NDCS Stolen Futures campaign, which calls for a halt in cuts to essential services for deaf children. Further information on the campaign can be found here.