
Liberal Democrats Brand Tory Social Services Cuts "Vandalism"
Liberal Democrats both at Hertfordshire County Council and elsewhere are horrified at massive cuts aimed at struggling families and children from deprived backgrounds. They clearly see this as an abandonment of the science and philosophy which underpins Early Years Development and the principles of Early Intervention. The objectives are not only to improve the lives and well-being of children and to help families in difficulties to overcome their problems has been forgotten. They also include the reduction in future social problems by helping children from troubled background enter adulthood with less damage and fewer social, behavioural and cognitive disabilities. Liberal Democrat Councillor Nick Hollinghurst is particularly concerned about a cut to Homestart's contracts of £390 million a year from 2016. Nick said, "Home Start has an extensive team of well-trained, experienced and dedicated volunteers who deliver specialised and sensitive support to families in difficulties. Their expertise is internationall