Closure of Children England highlights “alarming consequences” of government policy on austerity, claims BASW

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has claimed that the closure of Children England, the collective body for children’s charities, has highlighted the “alarming consequences” of government policy on austerity, which has impacted children and young people.

The charity, which announced its closure last week (20 September) said that financial challenges had become “impossible to juggle any longer”.

Launched as the National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations (NCVCCO), in 1942, Children England served as “a powerful advocate for the rights and well-being of children and young people across the nation”, said BASW.

Government funding for the charity came to an end in 2013.

Reflecting on the “wider context” behind the closure, BASW said: “Government policies, driven by austerity measures, have consistently underfunded and undermined the very services and organisations that are essential for the welfare of our children and young people. The consequences of this shortsighted approach have been far-reaching and deeply concerning.

“Children and young people have been disproportionately affected by austerity, with cuts to vital services such as education, healthcare, and social care. Vulnerable families have found themselves increasingly marginalised, facing barriers to accessing essential support. The closure of Children England serves as a stark reminder that when we fail to prioritise the well-being of our children, we compromise the future of our society.”

BASW has called upon policymakers to “recognise the urgency of investing in the well-being and future prospects of our youth”.

Expressing its gratitude for Children England’s “invaluable contributions” to the field of child welfare and advocacy, BASW added: “Their legacy will live on through the continued dedication of organisations and individuals who are committed to fighting for the rights and well-being of our nation's children.”

Kathy Evans, Children England’s CEO, said: “Throughout the last decade Children England has been loudly calling out the avoidable impacts of austerity on children, families, and the services and support they should still be entitled to expect. We’ve persistently offered the kind of systemic solutions and creative policy reforms that could stem and reverse the devastating impact of state disinvestment in our children and their futures. But governments and politicians still aren’t listening.”

Lottie Winson