Mark Whitehead 09 July 2019

Austerity creating ‘crisis of childhood’, charity warns

Funding cuts mean support has been diverted away from early help services into protecting children at immediate risk of harm, council leaders have warned.

The Action for Children charity said the UK is 'sleepwalking into a crisis of childhood' with young people struggling to achieve at school, fit in with their peers and cope with wider anxieties over issues such as Brexit, poverty and the climate crisis.

Anntoinette Bramble, chair of the Local Government Association’s children and young people board, said: 'With demand for urgent child protection services increasing rapidly, councils have been forced to divert funding away from vital early help services into protecting children at immediate risk of harm.

'It is essential that the Government heeds the consistent and increasingly urgent warnings that children’s services are now at a tipping point, and uses the upcoming Spending Review to deliver a long-term strategy that enables councils to ensure that all children can have the bright futures they deserve.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Housing

North West Leicestershire District Council
£64,241 to £74,525 (plus car allowance)
We are currently seeking a new Head of Housing to lead a number of key service areas Leicestershire
Recuriter: North West Leicestershire District Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287 – subject to skills and experience
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Adult Learning Tutor Maths WMF2142e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235.00 - £36,124.00 (pro rata)
We are looking for an inspirational tutor to deliver maths courses to our learners across Carlisle. Carlisle, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Adult Learning Tutor ESOL English WMF2144e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235 - £36,124 (pro rata)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with experience of teaching ESOL. Whitehaven, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner