Martin Ford 24 February 2021

Children’s services face £824m budget gap

Children’s services face £824m budget gap image

A funding shortfall of £824m is being faced by children’s services, according to research published today.

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) said the amount was required just to enable their work to ‘stay still’ amid increasing demand.

ADCS' analysis - based on a survey on pressures during 2019/20 - found half of respondents reported a reduction in funding ranging between 15% and 30%.

The report highlighted dwindling budgets for prevention and early intervention work, currently ‘propped up’ by the Troubled Families programme, which is due to end in March next year.

It found there were 642,980 referrals to children’s social care in 2019/20, an increase of almost 20% since 2008.

Following a drop due to the closure of schools during the early month of the COVID-19 pandemic, some authorities are currently reporting a surge in referrals.

In addition, the number of child protection plans has increased by 76% since 2008.

ADCS’ analysis concluded that variation in the rates of demand for children’s services between councils was ‘greater than ever’.

It said variation depended on factors such as deprivation and geography, and can be influenced by service transformation programmes and numbers of unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

ADCS president Jenny Coles said: ‘There can be no delay in levelling up the social, health, education and geographical inequalities made more visible by the pandemic.

'Children’s life chances and all of our futures depend on it.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner