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More than eight in 10 councils in England responsible for children’s social care overspent in the year to 2019/20. This comes despite councils increasing their budgets by £535 million that year and by £1.1 billion in the past two years.

“Councils stand ready to work with government to ensure no child is left behind as we recover from the pandemic and have called for a cross-Whitehall strategy to improve children’s lives and put children at the centre of our COVID-19 recovery."

Councils stand ready to help the Government prioritise disadvantaged pupils in its education recovery plan and to prevent the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and young people and their peers from widening further as a result of the pandemic.

“It is good that this research recognises that multi-agency support for pupils with SEND often complements the support offered by schools. However, the continued rise in demand for overall and new education, health and care (EHC) plans remains a pressing issue for councils as they strive to provide every child with the best possible support to meet their needs."

"All children, including those with SEND, will undoubtedly need additional support in the coming weeks and months due to the impact of the pandemic".

“It is clear that many people will need to reskill for new jobs after the pandemic and it is good that the Queen’s Speech has included plans to attempt to address this."

Baroness Blake responds to a new law which received Royal Assent today, requiring schools to follow new statutory guidance on uniform costs, which will ensure prices are kept down.

“Any incidence of sexual harassment or assault is abhorrent. No child should fear going to school, and it is right that work is being undertaken immediately to consider how schools are working to keep children safe, as well as to give children a safe place to receive support and advice.”

"Vulnerable groups unable to complete the EU Settlement Scheme may be given some flexibility and it will be important to identify well in advance those who may need support to access the scheme after the deadline."

"Councils have played a pivotal role in making the Supporting Families programme a success for some of the most vulnerable families, so it is good that local authorities continue to receive this funding to support this vital service for the coming year as it enters its next phase."