Council leaders are calling for extra funding in children’s services to ensure they can fulfil the ambitions of the Children’s Act.
The Local Government Association (LGA) said extra investment in early intervention would result in fewer children entering care or needing more intensive interventions.
New figures show councils have seen a 53% increase in children on child protection plans over the past decade, with 23,600 more children being classed as ‘in need’.
Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: ‘We want to see all children have the best possible chance of a bright future. For this to happen the next government needs to make sure children and young people are not forgotten by putting them at the centre of all decision-making.’
She added: ‘Councils have seen significant increases in demand for children’s social care and need long-term, sustainable funding so they can deliver the best for our children and families.’
