Daily roundup: Spending cuts, childcare reforms and drug mules

The chancellor has warned that a further £25bn of spending cuts will be needed after the next election, including £12bn from the welfare budget. The BBC reports that George Osborne has suggested making savings by cutting housing benefit for under-25s.

Ministers are being encouraged to rethink their plans for helping families with the rising cost of childcare, reports The Independent. Government advisers warn that current plans to subsidise childcare for families with earnings of up to £300,000 benefits wealthier families rather than those on lower incomes.

Children as young as 11 are being used as mules to carry drugs on trains out of London. The Guardian reports that the south-east regional organised crime unit is concerned that criminal gangs are using children as they expand drug markets into towns and countryside surrounding the capital.

Children with low self-esteem could be harmed if they are praised too much by their parents for doing things well, it has been claimed. The Independent reports that researchers from Southampton University found that inflated praise can lead to them retreating into their shell - and worry they will have to reach the same standard in future tasks.

Leeds City Council will expand its work with troubled families in a bid to reduce the number of children in care. The Yorkshire Post reports that the council wants to return children to their families “safely and appropriately”. The council hopes the new approach will save £6m from its annual care budget.

Northumberland County Council has been criticised over plans to slash spending on young people's services. According to the Chronicle Live, the council wants to cut £843,000 from its youth services budget in 2014/15 and is considering withdrawing free transport for young people in post-16 education.