LIB DEM BUDGET FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN

12.00.00am GMT Mon 25th Feb 2008

"Extra Money In First 6 Years Enables Children To Overcome Disadvantages Of Poverty

Liberal Democrat Budget proposals at last week's Kent County Council meeting (19 February 2008) included plans to spend more on education projects.

Martin Vye, Lib Dem Spokesperson on Children, Families and Education called for

1. immediate appointment of 12 new staff working with children under five to ensure that all nurseries offer high quality experience. (KCC current plans are for new staff to be phased in over 3 years)

2. a county-wide roll out of a Shepway programme which has reduced teenage pregnancies by one third,

3. increased support into independent housing for children leaving care between the ages of 16 and 21.

Martin commented "The focus of the Lib Dem budget was on the most vulnerable children; studies have shown that extra money spent in the first six years of life enables children to overcome the disadvantages of poverty. Every year we delay this spending deprives another class of children of a brighter future. An unwanted pregnancy can destroy the lives of teenagers and their babies. Children leaving care for adulthood need help to find affordable living quarters, and help to support themselves independently."

We know many children in our most deprived communities in Canterbury and Shepway would benefit from this extra spending immediately and for life.