THURROCK Council has revealed how it will make significant savings in its children’s and education services as part of wider financial sustainability measures, with £300,000 earmarked for cuts over the next two years reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The council’s current commissioning services budget stands at £620,000, funding a range of support for children and young people.
A proposed reduction of £200,000 will bring the budget down to £420,000, while a further £100,000 saving is targeted in education services for the 2026/27 financial year.
Speaking at Thursday’s meeting of the children’s services overview and scrutiny committee, Michele Lucas, assistant director for education and children’s commissioning, said: “It is about looking at education services across the whole system. One of the things we’re going to look at is some of the technologies.
“We’re looking at a range of different technologies that might help us with some of the work that we’re currently doing. It will be challenging for us. However, we will look to ensure that we do meet that savings target.”
The council plans a comprehensive review of commissioned services to assess impact, identify efficiencies, and prioritise critical support.
Mitigation measures include exploring grants, partnerships with voluntary and community sectors, and income generation initiatives.
Digital solutions and joint commissioning with other authorities are also being considered to streamline processes and reduce costs.
Gary Byrne, Independent councillor for The Homesteads, questioned the impact on young people, asking: “Nobody wants to see cuts. Will the children notice? Will it impact on the children?”
Sheila Murphy, executive director of children’s services, assured members that statutory obligations would be met.
She said: “We’re in a position where we can’t not make savings as a council so children’s services have been asked to make their contribution. We’ve not put anything here forward that would impact on safeguarding or making sure that children are having their needs met. Children will not suffer from that.”
Ms Murphy acknowledged the challenge, noting that Thurrock’s education services are largely academised, limiting areas for savings.
“If there are problems as we go through the year, there is a mechanism for us to go back and say we are struggling,” she added.
Cathy Kent, Labour councillor for Grays Thurrock requested regular updates, warning the children’s services savings could cause concern.
She said: “If you look on paper it’s nearly a third of the budget which for a lot of people could start alarm bells ringing.”
