Children's sector braced for spending review

You can follow the developments and the particular implications for all those who work with children and families on cypnow.co.uk this afternoon.

Last weekend’s revelation that the schools budget will be protected has heightened concerns that other areas within the Department for Education’s remit will take a bigger hit.

The spending review will test the government’s commitment to invest in preventative services and early intervention work. In particular, it will carry implications for the future of Sure Start children’s centres and youth services across England. A CYP Now survey earlier this month foretold of savage cuts to youth services up and down the country in local authorities and charities alike.

President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services Marion Davis has called for early intervention services to be protected from cuts. "Without investment in early intervention, we risk creating a perfect storm," she said. "There are a number of reviews underway to support service redesign but recommendations do not become reality without investment and there must be provision in the comprehensive spending review to support local authorities in implementing what could be dramatic changes to ways of working."

Today’s announcement is also expected to confirm the government’s plans to end the universality of child benefit to families, including a possible cap for children aged 16.