In the second of a series of articles about proposed budget cuts at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, The Silhillian looks at the children and young people department.
A council report says of the cuts: “This would impact on frontline social work services at a time of increasing demand and cost pressure.”
It noted a borough survey which found “social workers most often report not having enough time to do the job properly”.
The cuts also propose.
• Fewer activities for children in care than planned. Saving: £416,000.
• Slashing the subsidy to the music service in about half. This follows plans to charge for the service. Saving: £100,000. See the full SMBC report here.
• Keeping vacant posts empty and focus on ‘core services.
• Withdrawing an anti-bullying project and reducing youth worker hours. Saving: £29,000.
A final decision will be taken next month. Click here for more council savings stories.
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