Norfolk children's charities hit by £1m of council cuts

Norfolk County Council has written to charities this week to tell them which ones have missed out on funding following a cut in its voluntary sector contract budget for children's services from £2.4m to £1.4m.

Around 69 charities were asked to tender for this slimmed down funding package. Among those who have been left disappointed is the West Norfolk Dyspraxia Group, which has lost around £35,000 of funding. The group runs a holiday club for dyspraxic children.

Project administrator Sheila Clarke said: "It is a huge disappointment. This money goes towards running all our activities. We cannot be complacent and are already looking to find alternative funding elsewhere."

Shelagh Hutson, the council's cabinet member for children services said that the budget cut was to help the council tackle the "dire national financial climate", and to ensure safeguarding children budgets were maintained.

She added: "Some organisations will not have been successful and some will have seen their funding levels reduced. We recognise that this will be a difficult time for these organisations, who, like the private and public sector, will have to look at more efficient ways of working in these tough economic times.

"However, we need to ensure we are getting the best value for money for Norfolk's taxpayers and the best outcomes for Norfolk's children and young people."