An inquiry into Bristol City Council “spying” on the social media of parents with disabled children has been delayed by months. Three months after the council promised to set up an independent inquiry into the scandal, it’s still unclear when, or if, one will finally begin.
Last year leaked emails emerged showing that council staff had monitored the social media of two mothers of children with special educational needs and disability (SEND). An internal report found there was “no systematic monitoring”, but was slammed as a whitewash.
City Hall chiefs now say they are waiting on the result of an Ofsted inspection before an independent inquiry will go ahead, with new details promised next month. The mayor criticised an opposition councillor, asking when the inquiry will begin, as “hyperbolic”.
