This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost. Let us know if you find any major problems.
Text in this format is not official and should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.
WQ.493/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND EDUCATION BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. JOHN
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2021 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2021
Question
Has there been any reduction in the Children's Social Care budget over the last 2 years and, if so, will the Minister explain how such a budget reduction is consistent with the Government's promise to provide safe, stable and loving homes for children in care?
Answer
Since 2019, the budget held by the Director of Safeguarding and Care has increased by £9 million, from £20,158,755 to £29,184,134. £3,345,934 was transferred out of the budget to support other services in CYPES.
£2,704,200 has been taken out in efficiencies and in our drive to provide better value for money – for example, there has been a reduction in spend on off-Island placements as we have worked hard to enable children in the care of the minister to be supported in Jersey. That gives a final budget of £23,134,000. The saving as a percentage of the closing budget 2021 is 12%.
Put simply, the budget available to safeguard and care for children and young people has increased overall, from £20,158,755 to £23,134,000 and the money available is being used more effectively and efficiently. This is very much in keeping with our commitment to Put Children First.