Vulnerable children will not be put at further risk by the introduction of new fees in care proceedings (see [2008] Gazette, 24 April, 4).


These increases will only affect fees paid by local authorities, not individuals, and each local authority has been given additional money to pay for the increases.



Children's services have a statutory obligation to protect the interests of children; it would be unlawful for them to avoid taking court proceedings for financial reasons.



When we consulted on this issue both the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Children's Services did not accept that local authorities would be influenced by cost considerations in their approach to dealing with children at risk.



The government wants to create a sustainable, transparent and fair system for civil and family courts. The fees will reflect the actual costs of the service and should encourage cases to be resolved quickly, benefiting the vulnerable.



Bridget Prentice MP, family justice minister