Christmas Lights Switch-on - Statement
23 December
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said,
“On behalf of Stevenage Borough Council, I would like to offer my sincere apologies to Logan and his family regarding this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event. The council has taken this matter seriously and conducted a thorough investigation into the series of events that occurred in the lead up to and throughout the evening.
As well as Logan and his family, I would also like to extend my apologies to the Mayor of Stevenage and other guests who experienced media speculation and negative impacts following the Christmas Lights Switch-On.
The recommendations, which include strengthening event planning, improving policies, training and practice to ensure all events are inclusive, and have been raised as a result of this investigation will ensure that the council has specific measures in place so any future events it organises can be enjoyed by everyone. These are now being discussed with those involved ahead of being made available.”
26 November
A Stevenage Borough Council spokesperson said,
“The council wishes to clarify based on continued media speculation that the competition winner involved in the Christmas Light Switch On was not related or known to the Mayor or Mayor Consort and the council is concerned about the unwarranted media speculation and negative impact this is having on the child and our communities across Stevenage.”
23 November
We are aware of social media posts comments about Gemma and Logan from The Abilities in Me Foundation experience at yesterday's Christmas Light Switch-on event.
On behalf of Stevenage Borough Council, Cllr Coleen De Freitas, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Young People said,
“I am sorry to learn about Gemma and Logan’s experience at our Christmas Light Switch on. They were invited to be this year’s special guests to switch the lights on. It was not our intention to offend or ignore them, and for that, I wholeheartedly apologise on behalf of the council.
“I will contact Gemma to listen to her views on yesterday’s event and to say sorry for not taking time to ensure Gemma and her son were visible and able to carry out their role. Lots of people came to the event to support Gemma’s work leading The Abilities in Me Foundation. As the Cabinet Member responsible for Equalities and Young People, I want to ensure the council takes the necessary steps to avoid experiences like this in the future.”
"An investigation is currently underway to review what happened at this year's event."