CYP Now - Editorial: The pressing question of money remains

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, Children Now asked local authorities their views on children's services proposals, and how realistic timescales were. The overwhelming feeling was that, while the Children Bill was welcome, respondents were worried about the stringent timescales envisaged by the then children's minister Margaret Hodge. In fact, many were not convinced they would be able to establish new structures in the time allocated (Children Now, 1-7 September 2004).

However, fast forward a year, and progress has been astonishing. Of theauthorities that replied to our 2005 survey, 65 per cent have achildren's trust or trust arrangements in place, whereas last year only33 per cent were confident of setting up their trust before 2006 (seeAnalysis, p12). What's more, nearly three quarters have a director ofchildren's services or director designate in place, as opposed to 2004when only 25 per cent of positions were filled.

This rapid progress is to be applauded, but there are still areascausing concern. Money remains the perennial issue, with worries aroundrevenue funding for the second wave of children's centres revealed.

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