Government doesn't know why more children in need of care - Emma Lewell-Buck responds to NAO report

Emma Lewell-Buck MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Children and Families, commenting on the National Audit Office report concluding that the Department for Education does not fully understand what is driving demand for children’s social care, said:

“It’s deeply concerning that the Department for Education has not bothered to work out why more children are being identified as being in need. 

“The Department is responsible for some of the most vulnerable children in our society. But the funding to look after them has been slashed, with local authority budgets halved, early intervention services cut, Sure Start centres lost and councils forced to overspend by nearly a billion pounds a year.

“If the Government is genuinely committed to protecting every vulnerable child at risk, then they will end their damaging and dangerous cuts, and ensure that these vital services are available for all who need them.”