Joe Lepper 29 April 2026

Experts raise concerns over children's services deadline

‘Clear and credible concerns' have been raised by experts that some council children's services will struggle to meet a government deadline to overhaul family support.

Fears have been raised that a March 2027 deadline to bring in Family First Programme (FFP) reforms comes just two months before councils undergoing local government reorganisation (LGR) are due to hold elections to shadow authorities.

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#Children's services

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Senior Care and Housing Support Officer

Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£27,254 - £31,022 per annum) Pro Rata

There will be opportunities to develop with the team. Sandwell, West Midlands

Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Strategic Finance Business Partner (Capital & Major Projects)

Band J (£60,194 to £63,832)

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the financial management and oversight of the Council's Capital Programme and major projects portfolio Sandwell, West Midlands

Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Strategic Finance Business Partner (Place OR People)

Band J (£60,194 to £63,832)

Sandwell Council’s Finance and Transformation Division is seeking an experienced Strategic Finance Business Partner (Place OR People) Sandwell, West Midlands

Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council