Statement on HCLG select committee's report on children's services in England

  • By Gemma Kappala-R...

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee has published a report on children's services in England.

In response, Cllr Nickie Aiken, London Councils' Executive member for Schools & Children's Services, said:

"We strongly welcome this report. London boroughs are under incredible pressure due to growing numbers of increasingly complex children and young people in need of support from councils’ children’s services.

“Last year boroughs collectively overspent their children’s social care budgets by £100 million. In addition, the number of children with special educational needs in London has increased by 48% since 2010, increasing pressure on services and budgets.

“It is clear that a long-term, sustainable financial settlement for local government is urgently needed to ensure children’s services can continue to provide high-quality care.

“Investment in early help is also critical, which is why programmes such as Troubled Families are so important.”

Click here to read the report.