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County council spending on children’s social care doubles, leaders warn

2 mins read Social Care
Most county councils in England have seen per-person spending on children’s services double over the last decade, according to the County Council’s Network (CCN).
Numbers of children in care are at a record high, the CCN analysis highlights. Picture: Adobe Stock
Numbers of children in care are at a record high, the CCN analysis highlights. Picture: Adobe Stock

For the 37 councils in county areas in England, per-person spending on children’s services has increased from £88 per head in 2013/14 to £171 per person in 2023/24.

This is higher than any other council type in England, analysis of figures from all 152 local authorities finds, with the average increase standing at 77%.

The analysis by Pixel Financial Management for the CCN shows that spending on children’s services is consuming almost a quarter of all council expenditure – up from 18% in 2014.

Spending on adult social care has also increased with two services alone now consuming two-thirds of the average local authority’s budget, the analysis shows.

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