Investment is set to be pondered

BARNSLEY Council’s ruling cabinet members are set to consider a report which will strengthen children’s services through a £6.5m one-off investment.

Council bosses say they are ‘more determined than ever’ to make sure its children’s services are strong following on from the pandemic.

In a bid to make this a reality, at next Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, councillors will consider proposals for a £6.5m one-off investment to support the delivery of a development plan.

A multi-agency development board could also be created, as well as a practice hub to embed practice standards across the service.

Coun Trevor Cave, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, said: “We want our children and young people to feel safe and have opportunities to live fulfilling lives.

“Barnsley isn’t immune to the national challenges of staffing and budgets, made much harder by the impacts of the pandemic and costof-living crisis.

“If we implement these proposals, we’re confident that our services will be in a strong position.”