A surge in child abuse inquiries has raised alarm bells, prompting calls from councils for emergency funding to ensure vital support for at-risk young people remains intact. The Labour-led Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the Chancellor to step in as costs have risen by 11% in the span of a year, potentially endangering the essential lifeline provided to vulnerable youth.
New data released by the Department for Education reveals a staggering increase in the number of “Section 47” investigations, reaching a record high of 225,400 in 2023. This equates to 618 cases reported each day, with a focus on 192 children per 10,000 under-18s, marking a 77% surge since 2013. The relentless rise in inquiries has put significant pressure on councils, with an additional 66 cases dealt with daily compared to 2019.
The LGA analysis indicates that funding shortfalls in children’s social care are on the rise, with inflation, wage pressures, and soaring demand creating a projected £2.3 billion deficit for English councils in 2025/26, escalating to £3.9 billion in 2026/27. The financial strain is exacerbated by escalating cases involving parents or carers grappling with mental health issues and experiencing domestic abuse.
According to Arooj Shah, chairwoman of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, the distressing statistics underscore the urgent need for councils to intervene and provide crucial care and support to safeguard vulnerable children. Urging collective action to ensure the safety of every child, Shah has called for immediate financial assistance in the upcoming Budget to bolster children’s social care services.
In 2023, the number of children under child protection plans stood at 50,780, with a rate of 42 per 10,000 under-18s, a slight decrease from 2019 figures. Regional data shows the highest rate of Section 47 investigations in the North East with 234 cases per 10,000 children, followed by the South East and Yorkshire and the Humber. Conversely, the East of England, the South West, and the East Midlands reported lower rates.
Advocating for increased spending on children’s services, Abigail Gill, from the NSPCC, emphasised the critical need for enhanced support for families before reaching crisis points. Acknowledging the potential positive impact of augmented investment in early interventions, Gill urged comprehensive reform of the child protection system as an essential component in nurturing a resilient and supportive framework.
Responding to the growing concerns, a Department for Education spokesman reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with local authorities to safeguard children and provide the necessary resources for comprehensive protection measures. Initiatives include investing £45 million in multi-agency child protection teams to expedite interventions and ensure prompt action in safeguarding vulnerable children.
In conclusion, the escalating number of child abuse inquiries underscores the pressing need for robust financial support and systemic reforms to fortify children’s social care services, protect young people at risk, and uphold their fundamental right to safety and well-being.