LGA responds to PAC modern slavery report

“Councils will not tolerate the exploitation of people in their communities and are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society.

“However we are concerned that the current framework to support victims, the National Referral Mechanism, is unable to manage the high number of referrals, which has almost trebled since 2013. It is vital the Government presses on with its plans to reform this so it can meet victims’ needs. 

“These reforms must be backed up with resources. Councils can play a key role in supporting trafficking victims, but we would like to see the Government provide clarity over how local authorities are expected to respond and for these responsibilities to be properly funded.

“It is also deeply worrying that the rise in referrals indicates a significant number of child victims of trafficking. Councils are determined to protect children in their communities, but with children’s services facing a funding gap of around £2 billion funding gap by 2020, this is extremely challenging.”