This article describes a "financial crunch engulfing local councils" in the UK which is leading "cash-strapped councils" to eliminate preventive services like parenting support groups and classes, youth schemes and Sure Start centres. Many councils, instead, are turning their focus to their legal duties, such as placing and looking after children in care. “If we don’t get further funding, we will see a further diminution of those services and an increase in the number of children being looked after [by the state],” says Stuart Gallimore, head of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services.
