Norfolk: Cash cuts for children’s services

Key services for children and young people in Norfolk could be under threat due to painful cuts being considered in order to fill a predicted £11m black hole in funding - reports the Eastern Daily Press.

Dozens of jobs face the axe over the next three years as financial experts try to make ends meet. And Norfolk's 450 schools face having to meet the bills for numerous services that have until now been provided free.

The expected cash crisis comes at a troubled time for the county, as growing numbers of schools are being judged "not good enough" by Ofsted inspectors, the numbers of children in care continue to spiral and GCSE achievement is falling further behind the national average.

Lisa Christensen, director of children's services, pledged that these three key areas would not be touched by any cuts. But they are putting pressure on the children's services department, and senior officers are being urged to come up with ways to save money through "efficiency savings".

The flurry of activity has come amid predictions that the government's 2008/9 settlement would only amount to a 2.3% increase in funds for Norfolk. A high-profile delegation has been to London from Norfolk to put pressure on the government in a bid to secure more money before the final amount is announced.

But at the moment all heads of department are working on the basis of the 2.3% rise, which barely covers the cost of inflation in key areas like transport and the price of providing care.

Rosalie Monbiot, cabinet member for children's services, admitted she was "frustrated" at the prospect of another tight financial settlement.

She said: "We deliver some marvellous services in Norfolk. If the worst comes to the worst we will be reduced to only delivering statutory services and that will not be of benefit to the children of the county. We don't have many areas where we can make the savings."

The possible cuts are outlined in a report to Wednesday's review panel.

It includes a proposal to save more than £2m in staffing costs over three years - the equivalent of at least 60 people losing their jobs or not being replaced. Other suggestions include saving £1m on special educational needs transport by more strictly enforcing the rules.