I have just been reading through a letter from Barnardo's to the Treasury regarding the spending review. I love the amount of information from Government that is available online, it seems almost endless.
A few parts of the letter are of particular interest (and concern!).
'The Government must now ensure that when budget cuts are translated into service cuts by local authorities and others that poor and vulnerable children are not disproportionately affected. We are particularly anxious that investment in Sure Start is sufficiently protected. The nature of the Government guarantee in this respect is less than watertight.'
I have already heard alarming words in relation to potential cuts in our area.
Another section of their letter read,
'It appears that current Sure Start investment is to be part of the new Early Intervention Grant and it is unclear to what extent it will be open to local authorities to spend current Sure Start investment in different ways. Can the Government confirm the extent to which the current investment in Sure Start will be protected?'
I am sure all will become clearer very soon. I have a vague memory of this coming Tuesday being a day when the council are releasing details of future spending? Could be completely wrong! I really don't know a lot about the Early Intervention Grant so if anyone does, please share your knowledge with me!
Knowledge, it's a wonderful thing isn't it? I am enjoying having the opportunity to focus my mind, and although I am a complete novice, I am passionate about how I can help give children the best possible start in life. This week I am dipping my toes into the world of local politics by attending the Children & Young People Services Policy & Scrutiny Panel public meeting on Wednesday. No idea what to really expect but excited about the chance to see what happens. Will report back later in the week, hopefully inspired and not deflated!
No comments:
Post a Comment