Government earmarks £450 million for Children’s Fund


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In its last spending review, the government announced it will allocate £450 million to its Children’s Fund, to be released over three years.

Some £380 million will be spent with a view to preventing poverty and exclusion in 40 of the neediest regions around the country. In addition, £70 million will be made available in the form of ‘local funds’ and used specifically to help children between the ages of five and thirteen.

Local authorities in each of the regions involved will be expected to plan and develop preventive services for children and their families.. It is anticipated that such services are likely to encompass: mentoring, parental support, out of school activities, befriending, counselling and advisory services. Local authorities will also be encouraged to give the children themselves a voice and to consult them on their needs and concerns.

Several leading children’s charities have gone on record to support the Children’s Fund and, in particular, the news of the funds recently allocated.

Barnardo’s comments as follows, ‘We continue to welcome the Children's Fund and the commitment to listen to children and young people.’

In addition, the Children’s Society observes, ‘It’s a big investment in children and young people and it’s new money. They are seeking to involve children and young people in the fund throughout, which is good news.’

Paul Boateng MP also gave the new funding the thumbs up, saying, ‘Listening to the voices of children and young people is essential to the successful development of these services. Local people know the needs of their children and their community, and must be involved in the planning and delivery of these services, which must cater for the needs of all parts of the community. This programme will make a real difference to the lives of many children, young people and their families in each of these areas.’

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