Number of looked after children 4.5% higher than in 2020, with 83,630 children in care of councils
The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for “urgent” funding for children’s services, after figures released by the Department for Education yesterday (14 November) revealed there are 83,630 children in the care of councils.
The LGA warned that councils have faced “spiralling” costs and pressures in children’s social care, with budgets up by 11% in real terms in the last year alone.
It attributed mental health concerns and domestic abuse as the “key drivers” behind the increase in children needing support.
According to the latest Department for Education figures, the number of looked after children as of 31 March 2024 was 4.5% higher than in 2020.
County Councils Network (CCN) warned that if nothing changes, councils could be spending £12bn a year on children in care by 2030, with local authorities having to operate in a “false economy” - paying “astronomical” sums for placements and less on preventative services.
It called for “urgent” reform, noting: “The government’s commitment to change the system in last month’s Budget is commendable, but change needs to come urgently and within 12 months of the Spending Review next year.”
Also responding to the data, Family Rights Group said it demonstrates a care system which “remains in crisis”.
The organisation observed that almost half of children being looked after by the state are living out of area, separated from their family, friends and support networks.
Cathy Ashley, Family Rights Group’s Chief Executive said: “We know from research and our work with local authorities that too often the support that family and friends can offer is not consistently explored before children are removed from home. More children in the care system could be living safely in their families with the right support. This would provide better outcomes for children and reduce pressures and costs in the care system.
“Children and parents need support when challenges are emerging. Family and friends should be given the opportunity to find solutions with a right to a family group conference safely averting children going into care. Kinship care needs to be defined in law alongside the practical, emotional and financial support kinship families need. And no child in care or care leaver should be left isolated and alone, with the offer of Lifelong Links to build those loving relationships we all need.
“This data should be taken as a warning that the pace of reforms to date is not quick enough. We have the solutions to transform the child welfare system and support more children to remain safely in their family. With the will and the investment we can make it happen.”
Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “Councils want to do the very best for every child, ensuring they lead happy and fulfilling lives whether that is with their parents, with family or in care.
“However, these sky-high figures show why it is vital that children’s services are adequately funded so that councils can support more children to live safely with their families, and where they need to come into care, they receive the care and support they desperately need.”
Lottie Winson
