Gavin Callaghan claims Essex schools are empty because locals are not breeding enough
- Gavin Callaghan, the leader of Basildon Council, claimed that a declining birth rate is causing schools in Billericay to become empty.
- All 11 schools in Billericay are currently oversubscribed, making it difficult for parents to secure placements for their children.
- Residents criticized Callaghan's comments, stating that more schools are urgently needed rather than focusing on increasing birth rates.
In December 2024, Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council in Essex, made controversial comments regarding school enrollment in Billericay. He stated that the decreasing birthrate among locals was contributing to schools being empty, which has sparked outrage among parents in the community. Many have reported struggles in securing school placements for their children, emphasizing that the current schools are oversubscribed. According to local residents, the idea that parents should simply 'breed' more children is absurd and fails to address the actual need for additional educational facilities. There are currently 11 schools in Billericay, all of which are experiencing high demand for enrollment. Most notable is the comment from a parent who described the situation as a 'nightmare' when trying to secure a spot for her son, highlighting an urgent need for more school places. In the backdrop of these comments, Callaghan is pushing for the construction of 27,000 new homes in the area, with the intention that this will eventually support existing schools and create demand for new ones. However, the proposed development includes plans to build on a significant portion of green belt land, stirring additional controversy among the local populace. Critics argue that the infrastructure plans surrounding these developments are not adequate and question the viability of opening more schools to accommodate the expected influx of residents, given the current oversubscription issues. Amidst these developments, Callaghan also criticized the government's handling of NHS infrastructure, making claims regarding limitations on building new GP surgeries. However, these assertions were quickly countered by the NHS and local health authorities, who stated that no such restrictions exist. His comments regarding the education system and healthcare infrastructure have raised concerns about his leadership and the effectiveness of the planned developments. Overall, the school enrollment situation in Billericay reflects broader issues regarding town planning, population growth, and the challenges of meeting community needs in Essex. The juxtaposition of Callaghan's statements about breeding and the community's pressing need for more educational facilities highlights a disconnect between local government policy and the realities faced by residents.