Cuts in social worker training, the budget for substance abuse, and the amount of money devoted to the voluntary sector to provide protection for children were all condemned today by the Liberal Democrats at county hall.

The Conservatives are proposing these cuts in response to in year grant reduction by the Coalition Government, despite the fact that many grants are no longer ring-fenced and so could be used to make up for the shortfalls.

Malcolm Cowan commented: ‘In a budget this size, it should not be difficult to find savings which would ensure that front line services are protected. A £210,000 cut in the voluntary sector could have a crippling effect on the very voluntary sector. This sector will be desperately needed as the county council faces up to the challenge of saving £150 million in its transformation programme.’.’
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He added: ‘We also all know the possible outcomes when our social workers are not trained sufficiently, these are dangerous cuts. I can’t see how the Conservative Deputy Leader could say breezily “This is an easier cut than many”. Not for the voluntary sector it isn’t.’

The Liberal Democrats voted against the cuts package.

NOTES

Principal cuts opposed by the Liberal Democrats

1. Reduction in voluntary sector projects relating to Children’s Fund prevention grant: £210,000
2. Reduction in spending on young people’s substance misuse partnership: £36,000
3. Reduction of £70,000 in training of social workers.