THE most vulnerable children in Southend will suffer if more money isn’t pumped into the systems to support them, it is feared.

Despite Southend Council taking more than £1million extra out of its adult services budget to support children gaps in support continue.

Simon Leftley, deputy chief executive for people, said: “It is no secret there has been a national increase in demand of children’s services over the past five years.

“Southend is no different and as a result is facing significant budget pressures arising from demand, complexity and costs.

“While in adult services there are additional funding streams such as the Better Care Fund, the Improved Care Fund and the council tax precept, there is no such provision within children’s services.

“As well as a general increase in need and demand, additional resources are needed within children’s services to meet the higher standards required by Ofsted.”

He told Echo the council needs to “develop long-term investment and alternative income streams to alleviate the funding pressure”.

The council’s children’s services are regarded by inspectors as “requiring improvement”.

And an inspection of services for children with special educational needs and disabilities found significant failings.

Mr Leftley said: “As part of our 2019/20 budget we allocated £2.3m to children’s services projects, some of which are preventative and designed to support families and children.

“This includes the edge of care team who support children and young people to remain or return safely to their home from care, and the adolescent team working with vulnerable young people to strengthen families and improve relationships.

“We are working closely with local communities to provide support and early intervention to those who need it and we are also looking at the use of technology and changes in management to produce efficiency savings within children’s services.

He added: “We will do all we can to fulfil our commitments to keep the borough’s children safe and well, whilst giving them as many opportunities as possible, so they can grow into our leaders of tomorrow.”

A report from the Government’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee warned £3.1 billion of funding would be needed by 2025 if councils are to deliver effective services.