Westminster's plans to ‘localise' control of a wider range of public services could be challenged by organisations supporting vulnerable groups, a leading proponent of devolution has warned. Dr Phyllis Starkey, chairman of the Commons CLG select committee, this week revealed her panel's forthcoming report on the Supporting People programme will highlight concern over localised service budgets among those providing probation, drug support and criminal justice services. Speaking at a fringe event during the Labour Party conference, Dr Starkey said: ‘We found huge concern and worry among people representing vulnerable groups… that removing the ring-fencing on Supporting People programmes would lead councils to take money away from them.' Sir Jeremy Beecham, vice chair of the LGA, said while he recognised the concerns of vulnerable groups, ‘local government will oppose the idea of ring-fenced budgets for any devolved services'.
