LGA calls for more government funding to support vulnerable children

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for more government funding as council expenditure on children’s social care has increased by £2bn in five years.

According to LGA analysis released on 20 May, authorities in England spent over £10.5bn on children’s social care in 2020/21 compared to £8.5bn in 2016/17.

This is due to a 78% rise from 2011 to 2021 of children suspected to be suffering or at risk. The number of children in care also rose by just under a quarter within the same period.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, chair of the LGA’s children and young people board, said: “Spiralling costs and increased demand mean that funding is largely supporting those in most urgent need of help.

“We continue to call on the government to invest additional funding in the strong family help services that can prevent families from reaching crisis point.”

The LGA’s research follows the publication of the government commissioned Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, conducted by chair Josh McAlister, which called for “a dramatic whole system reset”.

The review stated the number of children in care would increase by 20,000 by 2032 and its cost would rise by £5bn unless there is a reform of the “flawed” system.

The LGA has responded by urging the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care to call for a white paper by autumn 2022.

Bramble added: “The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care is a once-in-a-generation chance to reform our systems to make sure all children and their families receive the right support at the right time, to enable them to thrive.”

Alongside the LGA, the National Children’s Bureau, NSPCC, Action for Children, Barnardo’s and the Children’s Society have called upon the government for an action plan in response to the evaluation.

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