Keith Taylor

Green Cllrs have said that the Tory cuts to Children’s services will increase pressure on social care staff and could reduce jobs.
 
As the budget scrutiny process continues, Greens have raised concerns that the CYPT's (Children and Young People) directorate - which provides all the children’s services in the city including education, health and social care - is being asked to make substantial budget cuts.
 
Cllr Keith Taylor, Finance spokesperson for the Greens, said:
“At a time when national trends mean an increase in child protection referrals, it seems unwise to reduce the funding available to CYPT.
 
“Greens are deeply concerned that these cuts will mean an already overstretched service is put under further strain.
 
“The Tories maintain that we won’t see a reduction in services – but you don't cut a million pounds from a budget without reducing services.
 
“What we all need is some honesty and transparency about the Tory plans. What families want to know is whether their children's services will be cut orreduced, and if so how? Staff need to know is whether their jobs will still be there orhow they'll change.”
 
Keith also queried the late submission of information to the scrutiny panels considering the budget proposals:
"By withholding vital detailed information from the scrutiny panel set up to examine next year's Children's' Trust budget the Tories are being wilfully obstructive.
 
"Greens are determined that in these tough economic times, the council makes the very best use of its resources. That means making sure services that support the most vulnerable in our city are protected - and necessarily retaining the staff that work in them.”

For more information about the Greens view: www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk