Politicians face grilling from social workers on the future of services in the West Midlands

Representatives from five political parties are to be quizzed on their policies by the region’s social workers. The Black Country Branch of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is hosting a hustings event at Wolverhampton University on Thursday, 19 February. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

In a time of cuts and huge demand for social work services, the focus of the debate will be the Future of Social Work over the next five years. 

BASW chief executive Bridget Robb will chair the event. Speakers include:

• Lee Dargue, Liberal Democrat candidate at for Birmingham Edgbaston. Lee is a social affairs spokesman with a special interest in mental health issues
• Rob Marris, Labour candidate for Wolverhampton South West.  Rob is a solicitor who was MP for Wolverhampton South West until 2010
• James Burn, Green Party councillor in Solihull. James is a practicing social worker and opposition spokesperson on Health and wellbeing
• Darren Henry, Conservative candidate for Wolverhampton North East
• Dave Everett, UKIP candidate for Wolverhampton South West

Julian Levitt, chair of the Black Country branch of the British Association of Social Workers said: “This is a particularly important time for social work, social workers and entire communities. In this time of austerity, the impact on income, housing and the wellbeing of those less able to manage has been considerable. The hustings will give political representatives an opportunity to explain their perception of future plans and the impact on social workers and the people we serve.”

The event starts at 6.30pm on Thursday, 19th February at MC 226, Millennium City Building (2nd floor), City Campus South (Wulfruna), Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY