Distribution of early intervention grant sparks concerns

Fairness in the distribution of the early intervention grant has been called into question after it emerged that many deprived areas have fared worse than those that are better off

Analysis by CYP Now found that despite the apparent six per cent overall rise in the early intervention grant – from £2.232bn in 2011/12 to £2.365bn in 2012/13, an increase of £133.2m – authorities will be expected to use a combined £291m of the cash to prepare for the extension of free nursery care to 40 per cent of two-year-olds, announced by Chancellor George Osborne in November.

In addition, stark differences were found over the way the grant will be divvied up between councils, with Conservative authorities appearing to fare better than Labour councils.

At the other end of the spectrum, Surrey, Redbridge, Kingston Upon Thames, Buckinghamshire, West Berkshire, Wokingham, Harrow, Barnet, Richmond Upon Thames and Wandsworth will all receive above average increases of more than 9.5 per cent.

Of these authorities, five rank in the top 10 for child wellbeing

Source: CYP Now