Children in care figures – LGA calls for ‘urgent’ funding for children’s services

Latest figures released today show there are 83,630 children in the care of councils.

The number of looked after children as of 31 March 2024 is 4.5 per cent higher than in 2020, according to annual Department for Education figures published this morning.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils, says the high figures underline the urgent need for the Government to use the forthcoming Spending Review to address the funding pressures in children’s services.

While the additional funding in the Autumn Budget for social care was helpful, LGA analysis shows children’s and adult social care faces additional cost pressures of £3.4 billion in 2025/26 compared to 2024/25.

Councils also need further clarification on the impact of the change in Employer National Insurance Contributions.

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.

Key drivers behind the increase in children needing support include mental health concerns and domestic abuse.

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.”