Tories plan to charge for child services

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THE only Conservative-controlled council in Wales was condemned last night for plans that would involve charging vulnerable children and their parents who use social services. Monmouthshire County Council was accused of having a callous, Thatcherite and potentially dangerous approach after it emerged that the authority is considering using a little-known piece of legislation to introduce such charges. Under the councils plans, access, for example, to childrens homes or fostering for short periods would be subject to a parental means test. A council report states, At present, the local authority does not charge parents for the costs of provision of services under the Children Act. The cost of providing accommodation for looked after children is significant. If the budget for such children could be reduced, even by a small percentage, this would enable the local authority to invest more in preventative services. The report goes on to say that under the Children Act 1989, parents or children over 16 can be charged for any service other than advice, guidance, or counselling. The report, written by the councils head of childrens services John Waters, states, Where parents look to the local authority to assume responsibility for their children, they would face a financial disincentive if there was a charging policy. This would create opportunities to provide support services to assist young people and their families to remain together. But Mr Waters adds, At the same time, it must be recognised that for the majority of parents, their circumstances will be such that it would either be impossible or unreasonable for the local authority to charge for services. Also, if parents were put off asking for a child to be looked after by the local authority, it is possible that there may be adverse and hidden consequences, such as family breakdown involving abuse of the child concerned, or a need to permanently accommodate a child, where a short period of short breaks may have avoided that situation occurring. The saving for the council is estimated at around Pfund30,000 per year. A spokeswoman for Monmouthshire County Council said, Members at Monmouthshire County Council are currently debating whether to bring in a charging policy for certain childrens social services. If a policy is adopted, it will ensure that resources are targeted to those who are in greatest need. However, no decision has been made yet.