§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends announcing the Government's response to the Children's Safeguard Review prepared by Roger Kent; and if he will make a statement. [58947]
§ Mr. DewarAction is being taken on a number of fronts to safeguard and promote the welfare of children living away from home. Today I am pleased to announce that the Government's response to Mr. Kent's Review has been made available in the Libraries of both Houses. We consulted widely on the Review and its 61 recommendations. We see it as an important milestone in raising standards and improving services for looked after children. Our response demonstrates our practical commitment to this process and sets out priorities for action. That commitment will be underpinned by resources.
I can announce today that an additional £36.7m over the next 3 years will be made available to improve children's services, £15m of which will be allocated specifically for implementation of key proposals in the Review. The Government's response, supported by 635W additional resources, is a clear indication of the importance we attach to this task. It will be made widely available to local authorities and voluntary organisations so that they can play their full part in helping to protect and secure better outcomes for this vulnerable group. We owe them nothing less.