CYP Now - Social care and school transport to suffer after autumn statement, councils warn

Nine in 10 county councils say they are “in a significantly worse position” financially following last month’s autumn statement which could lead to cuts to services for vulnerable children.

Home to school transport is likely to be impacted by lack of government support, councils say. Picture: GAYSORN/Adobe Stock

A lack of extra support for children’s services in Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt’s mini budget is set to see cuts in areas including home to school transport, they warn.

Councils also warn that autumn statement’s increase in the National Living Wage is set to cost them around £230m next year.

The warning has come from councils that responded to a snap survey by the County Councils Network (CCN).

Leaders of more than 30 councils have now written to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove calling for extra funding for children’s services.

Without this “councils are likely to face the prospect of outlining painful reductions to frontline services” they warn.

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