£1.709 Million Cuts to Children's Services to be raised at Council Meeting

4.04.04pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th May 2009

The impact of £1.709 million cuts to Torbay Council's Children's Services are to be raised at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 13th May.

Liberal Democrat Councillors Colin Charlwood, Jenny Faulkner and Cindy Stocks have asked questions to the Lead Member for Children Councillor Tolchard. The questions are about what risks have been identified as a result of the budget cuts, how it will affect Safeguarding Children, and what cuts are being made to Foster Care and Adoption.

Councillor Charlwood's question is:

"In light of the £1.709 million cuts to Children's Services in this year's budget, what reductions have been made or are planned for Foster Care and Adoption Services?"

Councillor Faulkner's question is:

"In light of the £1.709 million cuts in this financial year to Children's Services, what impact have the budget reductions had on the ability of the local authority to achieve its Safeguarding Children target of 'Good' as identified in the Corporate Plan?"

Councillor Stock's question is:

"Can you share with the Council what key risks Officers have identified to you as a result of the £1.709 million budget cuts to Children's Services for 2009/10?"

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Christine Carter said, "Liberal Democrat Councillors were very concerned during the budget setting process that such huge cuts were being made to Children's Services. We feel that it is only right that as corporate parents we scrutinise what is happening in Children's Services to make sure that Torbay's Children get the services that they need and deserve."