News

Responding to the Commission on Young Lives report into children’s social care, suggesting it is potentially unfit for purpose, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “Keeping children and young people safe is one of the most important roles that councils have. However, a huge increase in demand at a time when council budgets have been significantly reduced is making it increasingly difficult to carry out this role effectively for all children. Despite increasing children’s social care budgets by over £1 billion over the

"We are pleased that this review draws on our earlier research and aims to consider many of our concerns around the ‘market’ for children’s social care provision and how this impacts on children."

“The CMA has confirmed our recent findings that private equity providers are making extremely high profits and carrying concerning levels of debt that risks the stability of homes for children in care, which is paramount if they are to thrive."

“We urge the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care to consider these recommendations in their final report and are keen to work with the Government to ensure that children can live in the homes that best suit their needs and where they can thrive.”

“We are pleased that the Government’s strategy has placed youth services back on the agenda, and we look forward to working with them on the review of youth services guidance in light of the increasingly challenging context that councils are working in."

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, responds to the report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development into employers’ under-investment in training.

"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."

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the Local Government Association's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to the Children’s Commissioner’s report that looks at how effectively existing infrastructure within local authorities is being used to deliver a public health approach to preventing gang involvement and youth violence.

“As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic becomes apparent, more children, young people and their families are likely to need support."

“The pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health problems, particularly for children living in families with lower incomes and whose parents may be experiencing financial difficulties.”