Focus on market risks losing sight of the child

It would seem that the era of centre-ground politics is over and that both main parties are heading in different policy directions.

Having clearer water between the government and opposition will be good for public debate, but it increases the risk that public services will become a pawn in this ideological battle, with children's services on the front line.

The Prime Minister's assertion that the looked-after children's system needs to be shaken up by introducing new providers will understandably worry many.

Attempts last year to bring profit-making companies into the sector were thwarted by a broad public campaign, with the then coalition government backtracking so that only not-for-profit providers can deliver services. Emboldened by winning an outright majority at May's general election, the government looks set to try and push that agenda again. With deep cuts to local government budgets expected in the autumn Spending Review, the pressure on councils to look at alternative ways of delivering all children and young people's services will only intensify. With many non-statutory services already cut to the bone, the overriding challenge will be how they meet their statutory responsibilities, but at a lower cost and without compromising quality.