South Thanet Labour Broadstairs, Cliftonville, Ramsgate and Sandwich
Report from Cllr Karen Constantine on distressing case
“I meet and support residents across Newington and Ramsgate on the Isle of Thanet on a daily basis. The variety of issues and needs brought to my attention are considerable, but there are some definite themes. Quite often, the people I meet are at the end of their tether and don’t know what to do. They turn to me for help when others don’t seem to be listening. Sometimes they have contacted many people and ‘agencies’ seeking solutions. They must feel like they are on a ‘merry-go-round’. But often there’s nothing at all merry about the unmet and unsupported needs. Housing is a topic which comes up time and time again and I can usually provide some guidance that leads to hope of resolution.
Sometimes even I get frustrated with the hurdles and brick walls that get in the way. I despair at departments who respond with official lines that carry no empathy for the people I’m trying to help. These are people who already feel let down by society and the Tory government.
BBC South East report on this story – film on Cllr Constantine’s website here
I tried yet again and received another unhelpful response. In frustration and in an effort to gain traction for this family I took the story to the BBC. Within 48 hours they had aired a report which many have since told me they found shocking. Many others have said they see this sort of plight on a daily basis and this is how our Conservative Government chooses to treat those in need on a daily basis.
I’d like to see this family’s needs met. I won’t rest until that happens and until these two children can live in dignity. I take my hat of to Mr and Mrs Tozsu, I’ve rarely meet kinder, more caring people. But humans have limitations. TDC need to take action.”