Government spending on early support for children slashed by 71%

The Children’s Society | March 1 2016 

Government funding for early help services is expected to be cut by 71%, from more than £3.2 billion to less than £1 billion, between 2010 and 2020, leaving children and families without the early support that often stops their problems spiralling out of control.

The Losing in the Long Run report published today by the charities Action for Children, National Children’s Bureau and The Children’s Society questions the sustainability of further cuts and examines the amount of money central government is giving to local authorities for early intervention services.

Children’s centres, teenage pregnancy support, short breaks for disabled children, information and advice for young people and family support are some of the vital services that are affected by the cuts.

Many councillors are now questioning whether they can keep services open. A survey of more than 500 local authority councillors in England revealed that 59% are worried that a reduction in government funding will mean a reduction in these services. This is despite the vast majority (87%) of councillors saying that early intervention is a high priority for their local community.

Although councils will gradually gain new powers to raise revenue to pay for services through taxes collected from local businesses, 59% believe that it will be impossible to maintain current levels of spending on early support.

Losing the Long Run Report | Full Press Release