Reform denies Tory claims it's cutting children's services in Lincolnshire
Reform says that claims it is cutting £14million from children’s services are simply not true.
The Conservative group on Lincolnshire County Council accused the administration of “hidden reductions”.
The controversy centres over nearly £13million for special needs children with Education, Health and Care plans, which will be spent later than expected.
Around £1million for school places and other funds for school projects and a secure unit have also been moved.
The authority says this is a normal budget-setting process as timings change, and claims plans haven’t altered.
However Conservative leader Coun Richard Davies said the delays would put pressure on families and schools.
“Reform Lincolnshire cuts are not being announced openly,” he said.
“They are creeping out in obscure finance tables under scrutiny. Residents deserve honesty, not a financial shell game.
“Delaying over £12 million of SEND (special education needs and disabilities) capital does absolutely nothing for the children who need places now. These decisions hit statutory services and create real pressures for families and schools.
“Lincolnshire needs stable, competent financial leadership. What we have instead is a pattern of hidden reductions, reactive decisions and growing risk.”
The changes were discussed at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny committee.
Coun Natalie Oliver, the Reform executive member for children’s services, accused the Tories of trying to score political points on the issue.
“Let’s be clear, these are not cuts. On all major projects, we’ll forecast when spending is likely to occur as part of our budgeting process,” she said.
“It’s not unusual for these forecasts to be revised and the timing of spending changed as things move forward.
“This can happen for a number of reasons, such as works starting sooner or later than anticipated or projects coming in under budget.
“The Tories know this, and I find it incredibly disappointing that they are tainting our services for vulnerable children in the attempt to score cheap political points.
“The council has not changed its plans regarding investment in SEND improvements, and work continues on creating new spaces within special schools and new SEND hubs in mainstream schools.”