Labour cuts anti-paedophile service

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has condemned the decision by the Welsh Labour Government to withdraw funding for the Disclosure and Barring Service checking of those involved with children’s’ sports and activities.

The Welsh Government presently funds the Wales Council for Voluntary Service to provide a free service to clubs and charities in Wales who need to make sure that people who volunteer to work with children and vulnerable adults in all kinds of sporting and other settings are properly vetted by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This funding is being withdrawn as of 31^st May this year.

Mr Black said: “This senseless Labour cut will make it harder to safeguard children and the vulnerable properly. Some organisations may not now carry out the checks to the right standards, and others simply won’t have the cash to be able to check every single coach or helper, which will mean the withdrawal of activities.

“Everybody agrees that playing sport where possible, and having decent leisure and volunteering activities are vital for children and young people as they grow. Yet at the same time, it is vital that our children, and other vulnerable people, are protected from those few who would do them harm.

“That is why we have a Disclosure & Barring Service, and that is also why this cut is mistaken and misguided. Labour need to consult organisations such as St John Ambulance, and the WRU further about this and think again.”