“Councils want to work with government to prioritise a child-centred recovery plan which offers the brightest future for children and families as we recover from the pandemic – it is essential this plan goes beyond the First 1000 days so that councils can intervene early at whichever stage families need it."
Responding to the Government’s announcement in the Spending Review of £500 million to give children the “best possible start in life” and support for families and children, including new family hubs, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“This funding is a positive step towards maximising the life chances of all children, regardless of their background, as part of our shared ambition with government to level-up communities and reduce inequalities across the country.
“We are pleased that the Government has responded to our urgent calls for investment in children’s health and wellbeing – especially in parenting support and increasing access to mental health specialists. We are keen to ensure these funds are allocated effectively and that councils have the flexibility to target the resources where they are most needed.
“We are also pleased that Government has recognised excellent work of councils and local partners, and the importance of continuing to invest in a locally-led approach to early help by investing an additional £200 million in Supporting Families. It is vital that service integration and transformation at the local level is matched by a similar commitment to join-up across Government.
“However, with spiralling demand on children’s social services and future cost pressures in children’s social care set to increase by an estimated £600 million each year until 2024/25, councils face continuing to have to overspend on their budgets, which is clearly unsustainable.
“Councils want to work with government to prioritise a child-centred recovery plan which offers the brightest future for children and families as we recover from the pandemic – it is essential this plan goes beyond the First 1000 days so that councils can intervene early at whichever stage families need it. We would ask, that the recovery plan includes a fully resourced workforce plan, and funding for children’s services so councils can protect children at risk of harm by providing the early intervention and prevention support that can stop children and families reaching crisis point in the first place.”