Wokingham Lib-Dems seek action from new Executive Member for Children's Services

12.00.00pm GMT Tue 22nd Jan 2008

Wokingham Liberal Democrats are furious to discover that Tory-controlled Wokingham Borough Council has decided to stop funding the valuable "Home Start" service.

Councillor Stephen Conway (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Councillor Group and councillor for Twyford ward) said, "Scrapping such a valuable service is foolhardy. This service supports families who need urgent help and often prevents more serious, and more expensive, problems arising in the future. Ending Home Start's funding is a kick in the teeth for our wonderful volunteers, and is also storing up trouble for the future. They are cutting a service that tackles problems at an early stage. The consequence is that the problems will get worse and cost the council more in the long run. Where's the sense in that?"

"I am asking Norman Jorgensen (newly appointed Tory Executive member for Children's Services) to look into this matter urgently with a view to reinstating this service immediately."

NOTE: Home Start is a voluntary body that helps families (who have a child or children under five years of age) that need urgent support. The support offered is often long-term and this early intervention often prevents future more serious problems arising. Home Start is currently supporting families across Wokingham Borough. It has two paid workers and about 30 volunteers to work with families, and Wokingham Borough Council currently shares the cost of the service with the Lottery Fund. Without the Council's share of the funding, the service cannot continue.