Call You and Yours: Troubled Families
Consumer phone-in presented by Julian Worricker. The government says 120,000 families cost the taxpayer Β£9billion every year. What is the best way to help troubled families?
Call You and Yours. What's the best way to help troubled families?
The Government has called for an end to what it describes as the 'it's not my fault' culture of excuses which has allowed around 120,000 troubled families to avoid taking responsibility for their own lives. Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, warned there will be less understanding of the chaos caused by their problems which costs the country around Β£9bn each year. The Government says it will pledge Β£448m to tackle the problem in England - but local councils will be expected to provide more than half the funding for the scheme.
But how will it work? Is throwing money at the problem the answer? Who will decide how the money is spent? And where will councils find the money to fund the work?
And who will decide what a problem family is? If you're a part of what's been identified as a troubled family, how easy is it to get help when you're struggling to cope? Or perhaps your life's been blighted by a troubled family? Is this new approach music to your ears!
We'd like to hear your thoughts. 03700 100 400 is the phone number, or you can e-mail via the Radio 4 website. Join me at four minutes past twelve tomorrow.