Shadow minister calls for action amid ‘growing emergency’ in children’s social care

Children’s services are in crisis across much of England due to government funding cuts, Labour has said.

Shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne (pictured) said there was a “growing emergency in children’s social care” as he called for action before next month’s Budget.

Minister Marcus Jones acknowledged there were challenges in many areas for delivering children’s services and the Government was “continually” reviewing how to help councils in this regard.

The criticism comes days after a poll found more than half of Tory councillors were critical of the Government’s cuts to children’s services.

Speaking at communities questions, Mr Gwynne said: “Across swathes of England, children’s services are now in crisis.

“Seven years of government funding cuts to services supporting families is failing children and driving councils to the financial brink.

“Only last week a poll showed that the majority of councillors in the minister’s own party didn’t back their cuts.

“When will the minister finally admit that there is a growing emergency in children’s social care and finally take some action ahead of the Budget to deal with this major crisis for councils now?”

Local government minister Mr Jones said: “I can say to (Mr Gwynne) that over £200 billion is being given to local authorities up to 2020 to support local services.

“Children’s services and early intervention are amongst that funding stream.

“But what I would also say to him is we are absolutely aware of the challenges in many areas with providing children’s services and safeguarding, and this government continually looks at ways in which we can support local government in this regard.”

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