Lewisham cuts will hit kids' services

Monday, 26 October 2009

By Michael Stringer

CHILDREN and young people will bear the brunt of proposed cuts to a council’s budget.

Labour-run Lewisham officers have proposed £4million of savings.

There is concern about the hit the Children and Young People department will take after it was landed with similar cuts in the past two years.

The proposals will see foster carers get less, no extra support to central government’s Sure Start grant and a raft of cuts to early years services.

Lib Dem councillor Julia Fletcher, who chairs Lewisham’s children and young people committee, said: “I’m concerned that children and young people are taking disproportionate cuts again.

“I’m particularly worried about cuts to early years provision because it has been shown that money spent at that stage is most effective and helps families who might be struggling.

“It seems perverse to makes cuts from a service that can actually save money later down the line.

“The cuts to foster carers’ additional payments is also a worry when there is such a shortage of them.”

Lewisham must come up with £8million of savings but officers say the remaining £4million can be found in part by freezing salaries.

Borough mayor Sir Steve Bullock said he had rejected out of hand proposed cuts to adult social care.

He said: “This year I have rejected savings of over £4million in adult social care.

“I have also rejected proposals which would have meant a reduction in school crossing patrol officers, shorter library opening hours and fewer PCSOs and wardens.

“As always, I am willing to listen to the views of residents and councillors of all parties on the proposals that have been put forward.”

The cuts were discussed on Wednesday and Thursday evening in committee meetings and will be looked at again in a Mayor and Cabinet meeting on November 4 before being put to full council.

Email: michael.stringer@slp.co.uk

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