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“Alongside other partners, councils have also made good progress in improving children’s health, from health visitors supporting new parents to weight management services."

The next government needs to invest in children’s services so councils can fulfil the ambitions of the Children’s Act, the Local Government Association says as it marks the 30th anniversary of the landmark legislation. The 1989 Act puts children at the centre of any decisions made that affects them, with councils given the role of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. In the same year the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child set out the rights a child is entitled to and how adults and governments must work together to make that happen.  At the National Children and Adult

“Councils want to be in a position to help every child become resilient and mentally well."

“Councils are determined to tackle the practice of FGM and work with partner organisations to do everything possible to protect and support children and young people."

A rise in family conflict and hardship is behind the heightened pressure on child protection services, according to a new survey of councillors responsible for children’s social care by the LGA.

Unsustainable costs and demand pressures are set to push councils’ bill for providing free home to school transport to £1.2 billion a year by 2024, new analysis by the LGA reveals.

“Extra funding for SEND services next year is recognition of these pressures and will help councils in meeting demand for support next year, but we agree with the Committee that system reform is necessary alongside additional funding."

“In addition to introducing new legislation, the Government should ensure councils have the resources they need to provide appropriate education and support to parents, schools and across the wider children’s workforce.”

“This report provides further evidence of the immense pressures councils continue to face in supporting children who are blind or visually impaired as well as other pupils with special educational needs and disabilities."

Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board Cllr Judith Blake, responds to an announcement by the Secretary of State for Education about reforms to the Adoption Support Fund.