Mark Whitehead 02 February 2023

Children’s social care reform fails to address £1.6bn shortfall

Children’s social care reform fails to address £1.6bn shortfall   image
Image: Lipa23/Shutterstock.com.

Local government organisations have welcomed a new long-term strategy for children’s social services but warned the proposed extra £200m of funding falls far short of what is needed.

In its Children’s Social Care Implementation Strategy the Government says it wants to put families at the heart of reform with better support for vulnerable children to stay with their families.

Children's minister Claire Coutinho said the Government was setting out ‘an ambitious set of packages to start a transformation in children's social care.’

The report follows a review into the murders of two children in 2020 which highlighted the inadequacies of a system meant to protect children at risk.

The new strategy includes pilots in 12 local authorities to provide more early support for families struggling with challenges such as addiction, domestic abuse and poor mental health.

There will be more family-type placements for children in care, with relatives, friends or foster families, a recruitment drive and above-inflation rise for foster carers.

Local Government Association (LGA) chairman James Jamieson said much of the strategy was positive but there was urgent need for immediate action. He said the funding announced fell short of addressing the current £1.6bn shortfall needed each year to maintain current service levels.

‘Many of these are longer term measures, which while important, will not tackle the crisis that children’s social care faces right now.’

Steve Crocker, president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, welcomed the strategy but added: ‘The level of funding beyond the next two years remains unclear. Getting change right for children requires proper, equitable resourcing.’

Keith Glazier of the County Councils Network said the emphasis on preventative services and keeping families together was key, but the funding fell short and the pilots were only taking place in ‘a select few areas’.

Anne Longfield, chair of the Commission on Young Lives and former children’s commissioner for England, said the review was a ‘bold and ambitious plan’ but the proposed funding was ‘not yet ambitious enough to meet the enormous scale of the challenges facing the system.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner