KEETCH MEETS LOCAL CHILDREN'S CHARITIES OVER FUNDING CRISIS

10.23.00am GMT Mon 16th Feb 2004

Hereford's Lib Dem MP Paul Keetch will meet two local children's charities tomorrow (Tuesday) who face a reduction in their services because of cuts from central Government in the Children's Fund.

The charities, one of which helps children with disabilities, and the other that gives counselling to children both approached Mr Keetch independently.

"This cut in Government funding to the Herefordshire Council will hit these two very dedicated charities hard", said Mr Keetch.

"They both provide much needed support to children facing either physical or emotional hardship, and it seems certain that the cuts will affect their service. One charity will lose over £8,000 of annual funding, the other over £10,000. It will be almost impossible for them to plug such large gaps."

The Labour Government is cutting the Children's Fund by 15% in the 2004 Budget and a further 30% the year after. This means cuts nationally of some £150 million. Paul Keetch is writing to Herefordshire Council to ask how much Herefordshire will lose, and is pressing the Government to think again.

"Labour have made much of their commitment to children and to providing support for those in need, but these cuts will hit hard some of the most vulnerable members of our community," the MP said. "It is not too late for the Chancellor to change his mind, and I am writing to him urging him to do so."