Gateshead Reform councillor Garry Thompson has faced sharp criticism from the local Labour group after suggesting that some families might seek autism diagnoses for their children to gain an advantage on the social housing waiting list. Thompson, the council's cabinet member for the environment, made the remarks during a Gateshead Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on June 25.
Comments at health board meeting
At the meeting, councillors were informed that 2,489 young people are on the waiting list for Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS) in Gateshead. CYPS provides support for children up to age 18 with mental health difficulties and learning disabilities. Thompson expressed surprise at the number of families who had told him they had a child with autism and questioned whether referrals for diagnosis were more common in deprived areas.
He continued: “I feel with some respect, potentially you could have made a rod for people’s own backs because I think some of these people see that if they’ve got a child with a diagnosed case of autism, it sort of gives them a key to improving on the housing situation, it moves them up on the bidding list and things like that. Is that something you are potentially finding?” He also asked what measures were in place to detect “obvious fakes” in referrals.
Labour condemnation
Gateshead’s Labour group leader, John Adams, described the comments as “shocking” and said they “smear thousands of decent families because of a tiny handful of alleged cases.” Adams stated: “Comments suggesting that parents seek autism diagnoses for their children to jump the council housing queue are shocking and smear thousands of decent families because of a tiny handful of alleged cases. Autism is a recognised disability diagnosed through rigorous clinical assessment—not a shortcut to housing priority. Parents already face long waits without having their motives questioned. Public representatives should know better than to undermine autistic children and their families.”
Waiting list statistics
Figures presented at the meeting showed that 94% of the CYPS waiting list—2,348 children and young people—had been waiting more than 18 weeks by the final quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This highlights the significant delays families face in accessing support.
Councillor's response
In response, Thompson defended his comments, claiming his words were taken out of context. He said: “The selective use and apparent re-framing of my words have significantly altered their original context, resulting in an unfair and unfavourable portrayal. Such conduct not only undermines constructive political discourse but risks misleading members of the public who reasonably expect accuracy and integrity from those in elected office. This is not the first occasion on which I have observed this kind of behaviour from the member. For the avoidance of doubt, I take this matter particularly seriously. My personal and professional background includes close and enduring connections with individuals affected by autism, including family and close friends. I have also worked within special education and supported living environments. I am acutely conscious of the importance of fairness and dignity, and responsible representation in all matters. I find the mischaracterisation of my position especially regrettable.”
