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Most councils describe children’s services as biggest financial pressure

1 min read Social Care
More than nine in 10 councils say children’s social care costs is putting the most pressure on budgets as a quarter of all local authorities face applying for government bailouts to avoid bankruptcy within the next two years.
Those with experience of care have been encouraged to apply for the Experts by Experience group. Picture: Adobe Stock
A quarter of councils are likely to apply for government bailouts next year, research finds - Adobe Stock

When asked to identify the biggest funding pressures facing their local authorities, 93% of leaders cited children’s social care followed by 90% which said adult social care.

Services for children with special educational needs and disabilities was identified by 80% of councils and school transport by 65%.

Some 63% of council leaders said that cuts to services and support for children, young people and families are likely to be made next year to mitigate financial challenges.

The research from the Local Government Association (LGA) finds that around one in 10 councils say they have discussed the possibility of requesting exceptional financial support (EFS) from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government over the last year.

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