Minister to meet Norfolk delegation over Children's Fund funding crisis

12.50.33pm GMT Thu 12th Feb 2004

Following a question from the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb, the Minister for Children, Margaret Hodge has agreed to meet a delegation from Norfolk to discuss the crisis in funding for voluntary groups engaged in work with children and families under the Government's Children's Fund scheme.

The Fund's Norfolk County Group was told in Autumn 2003 that they would have a £2.1 million budget for 2004-05, together with a ten per cent 'top-up' to compensate for having to allocate 25 per cent of this budget to crime reduction schemes. Having planned its programme, the Group was then told that the 'top-up' will not be forthcoming, and that the whole Children's Fund will be subject to a national 15 per cent funding cut.

"The Minister's reply was constructive, and recognised that there are genuine concerns," said Norman Lamb.

"Margaret Hodge confirmed that they are actively looking at the issue, which I also welcome. However, the problem is of the Government's own making. The late notification of the funding cuts has been a particular difficulty for the Fund and organisations supported by it.

"I look forward to arranging a meeting in due course."