CoSLA rule out helping council fight for kinship cash

COSLA will not champion Dumfries and Galloway council’s campaign for more kinship care cash.

Any hopes harboured by the local authority were dashed when the local government umbrella group rejected a Scottish Government suggestion that distribution of cash available should be on the agenda of yesterday’s social work services committee meeting.

And that was a blow for the cash-strapped council facing a huge bill for the 220 people who look after family members across the region.

The Scottish Government contribution towards the payments is £360,000, far short of the £915,000 it is estimated will have to be paid this year.

There is also mounting pressure to give kinship parity with foster care.

That would double the council bill to £1.83 million.

The council had hoped COSLA would step in and help the cross-party working group persuade the Government to beef-up its contribution.

But spokesperson for education, children and young people, Councillor Isabel Hutton, emphasised COSLA does not speak for individual councils.

In a letter presented to the social work services committee yesterday, COSLA spokesman Mike Callaghan pointed out it is up to local authorities to prioritise their own spending.

And he said “kinship care is no longer a priority for this one year settlement” although it is still important for early intervention.

Mr Callaghan said: “Given the lengthy period of time it took to agree the distribution formula in the first place, if it were to be re-opened it is highly likely that you would have a situation where 31 other Councils, understandably given the tight financial context, wanting more out of a pot that is far smaller than previously.

“Moreover, it is my understanding that Dumfries and Galloway council’s political leadership has signed up to this.”

The cross party group met Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years, back in January. Mr Ingram pointed out the distribution system for local government cash was agreed with COSLA.

He did offer to raise the issue with Councillor Hutton but that was subsequently ruled out by the umbrella group.

At yesterday’s meeting, councillors agreed to continue lobbying for more money.

Councillor Scobie addressed the officials present. He said: “There is a need to include in the lobbying process the kinship carers who are affected.”

Councillors voted 10 to 6 in favour of the motion.