LGA calls for “emergency funding” in budget as child protection investigations reach record high

New figures published by the Department for Education show there were a record 225,400 child protection investigations in the year to 31 March 2023 in England – the equivalent of 617 a day - prompting the Local Government Association to call on the Chancellor to use the Budget to ensure councils are “fully funded and resourced to tackle the rising demand for support from vulnerable children”.

According to analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA) , English councils face a £2.3 billion funding gap in 2025/26, rising to £3.9 billion in 2026/27 - a £6.2 billion shortfall across the two years.

The association warned that councils have faced “spiralling costs and pressures” in children’s social care, with budgets up by 11 per cent in real terms in the last year alone.

It noted that key drivers behind the increase in children needing support include mental health concerns and domestic abuse.

Further, the LGA observed an 8 per cent increase in five years in schools making referrals to children’s social services – contributing to the rise in investigations.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “It is deeply saddening when any child experiences suffering, and it is absolutely right that councils act where there are concerns.

“However, these disturbingly high figures show the huge pressures councils are under to intervene and provide that vital care and support.

“As a society we must do what we can collectively to ensure every child is safe from harm.

“This is why we are calling on the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget to provide an emergency cash injection for children’s social care to help councils continue to provide this lifeline of support for vulnerable children.”

Lottie Winson