Proposals which could see cuts to a number of children’s services at Kirklees Council would come at an immeasurable cost to young people, UNISON is warning today (Monday).
The council is trying to address a funding gap of over £20m, and is already planning job cuts, and potential closure of other services including care homes.
UNISON is going to lobby the council meeting on Wednesday, and a deputation will address the meeting to express concerns with the proposals.
The union says the proposed changes to children’s services are the latest in a long line of cuts which will hurt the community in Kirklees.
The Access to Education (or schools safeguarding) service is one area under review. It works with children and young people missing from education or not enrolled in school – the council’s proposals would see it cut by 25%.
Another service review is taking place in the Multi Systemic Therapy (MST) service, which works with children and young people to keep them out of care, or support those in care to be reintegrated into the home. The council’s proposals would see the service cut by 66%, from three teams to one.
In a farewell message to staff on the council’s intranet, the outgoing CEO of Kirklees Council Jacqui Gedman said: “I can’t tell you how very proud I am of our children’s services turnaround and seeing how much better we support children and young people now.
“The improvements in children’s services also led to the restorative culture we have today across the organisation, exemplified by the day-to-day kindness I see of colleagues to each other and the inclusive behaviours I see across the organisation.”
UNISON Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue said: “Not only will these proposed cuts cause suffering to people of Kirklees if they go ahead, they don’t make economic sense.
“The cost of keeping young people in care can be extremely high, and we know the number of young people in expensive, out-of-area care placements is contributing to the council’s budget problems.
“The proposed cuts mean some young people could be hit twice as hard, as they are currently supported by both services under review.
“The proposals must be reconsidered.”
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “Yet again, a proposal to help the council address its financial difficulties has been drawn up which will see residents of Kirklees suffer.
“After 13 years of cuts from central government, there is no fat remaining locally to cut. Every job cut will hurt the community.
“The council needs to find another way of making savings. Kirklees residents deserve far better.”
