From today, 1st May 2008 Local Authorities now have to pay thousands of pounds in Court fees to issue proceedings relating to children in their care.

Previously the fees for issuing care proceedings in relation to vulnerable children were in the low hundreds.

Local Authorities across the country are concerned that they have not been given sufficient funds from Central Government and as a result will not be in a financial position to issue as many sets of proceedings.

This could lead to vulnerable children remaining in danger and not being taken into care by the local Authority.

These children could be in positions where they are being physical, sexually or emotionally abused by their parents or carers.

It is a real concern and the judiciary amongst other bodies have voiced their strong views on the matter.