Delays in implementing systems supplied by IT firm Anite, which is used by at least 30 councils, have been blamed for the delay. Many of those using Anite are now working to a revised deadline of 31 May to launch the children's social care database, giving the supplier time to set up its software.
Anite's director of health and social care, Peter Houselander, denied there was a delay, since the revised deadline was agreed with the Department for Children, Schools and Families at least a year ago.
But one senior local authority children's services source, who did not want to be named, said he was not aware the deal had been struck so long ago.
"As far as we were concerned the deadline was 31 March. It is typical of this country that there is an inability to deliver major computer systems on time."
Terri Dowty, director of Action for the Rights of Children, warned: "Having some councils using one system and others another could be a recipe for confusion."
