Westminster Conservatives press Labour to protect Westminster’s frontline children’s services
At tonight's Full Council meeting, Cllr Karen Scarborough challenged Labour’s Cabinet Member for Young People and Learning to confirm Westminster’s commitment to protecting vital frontline children’s services.
Referring to previous warnings that “hard decisions” might be necessary, Cllr Scarborough asked for assurance that no reductions would take place in services that support the city’s most vulnerable children.
In her response, Cllr Aisha Less (Labour) said that Labour would not cut any frontline services in Children’s Services and that the Council remained committed to safeguarding support for young people.
However, when pressed further on the potential for staffing cuts or service reductions in critical areas such as social work, Cllr Less admitted that “any reductions would be subject to public consultation and an impact assessment.” This statement confirmed that no guarantee currently exists to fully protect these vital services from future cuts.
Cllr Scarborough commented:
“Our children deserve certainty, not vague assurances. Families across Westminster rely on these services every day, and we need clear, concrete commitments, not just consultations after decisions have already been made.”
Watch Cllr Scarborough hold Labour to account and read the transcript below.
Cllr Karen Scarborough (Conservative):
At a meeting of the Young People and Learning Policy and Scrutiny Committee last year, the Cabinet Member warned that difficult decisions might be necessary. Can the Cabinet Member confirm the Council’s commitment to protecting frontline services that support vulnerable children, and explain the principles that will guide any tough decisions?
Cllr Aisha Less (Labour):
Thank you. Yes, I can confirm that we will not be cutting any frontline services in Children’s Services. As you know, children are our future, and we are committed to safeguarding every service that supports them.
Cllr Karen Scarborough (Conservative):
Thank you, Lord Mayor. Given that assurance, can you confirm that there will be no reductions in services or staffing cuts in critical areas such as social work? And if you cannot confirm this, will any planned reductions be subject to full public consultation and a published impact assessment showing the potential long-term effects on children?
Cllr Aisha Less (Labour):
Yes—the latter. Thank you.
Westminster Conservatives are committed to protecting and safeguarding young and vulnerable people.
