News
Government funding for early intervention to fall by 11%
1 Feb 2011
The funding for intervention programmes such as youth crime, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy is to be cut.
The government has announced that it will be introducing a new intervention grant to be distributed by local authorities, providing 11% less than previous funding streams. In 2010/11, the total funding to councils for these intervention services was £2,483m. Under the new Early Years Intervention Grant (EIG) the funding will be worth £2,212m in 2011/12 and £2,297m in 2012/13.
Although local authorities can distribute the funding as they wish, government policy shows an expectation that they continue to support Sure Start Children's Centres, free early education places for disadvantaged two-year-olds, short breaks for disabled children, support for vulnerable young people, mental health in schools and support for families with multiple problems.
The Education Secretary Michael Gove said
We have been clear to local leaders that this money should go directly to vital frontline services, like Sure Start Children’s Centres, and spending decisions should involve local professionals and communities.
We have ensured that there is enough money in the EIG to maintain the existing network of Sure Start Children’s Centres, accessible to all but identifying and supporting families in greatest need.
However, many are concerned that closures, cuts and reductions in services are already happening without the necessary local consultations taking place. This has prompted fears about how this funding might be distributed and councils are being warned against ditching vital children's services in order to prop up other areas of their work.
Nicola Steuer, Programme Director at the New Economics Foundation, has stressed the importance of investing in early intervention to make savings in the long-term.
These are the things that with the reduction in grants are at risk of being cut. We believe they are vital, not only for supporting families right now but for underpinning what happens in the next 10, 20, or 30 years.
In a letter addressed to Mr Gove from the Early Childhood Forum, it is suggested that closures, cuts and reductions in services are already happening without the necessary local consultations taking place, and concerns are raised that services that close may not be replaced in the longer term.
The Children’s Minister, Sarah Teather has addressed similar issues within a Nursery World editorial, stating that investing in high-quality education in the early stages of a child's life is critical to tackling disadvantage and helping every child achieve their full potential.
I understand the concern of some in the early years sector about the removal of ring-fencing from some of the early years budget. This doesn't mean that early years is no longer a priority. On the contrary - it's a recognition of the sector's growing strength and maturity. We want to see local authorities using the EIG to shape and provide the right services for their families, working with the whole community, including the early years sector.
You can read Sarah Teather’s viewpoint in Nursery World here.
View coverage from Children and Young People Now here.
