Barnardo's Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “We welcome a number
of measures outlined in today’s Budget, including the much needed
extra funding for domestic abuse services, investments in
apprenticeships, support for the Kickstart programme and the
wider focus on jobs.
"Families we support are struggling to afford food, heating and
vital data so they can do their schoolwork, so it is particularly
welcome that the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit has been
extended.
“Children have suffered hugely throughout the pandemic,
especially those who were already vulnerable – with a growing
crisis in mental health and increased risk of harm and abuse.
Even more challenges will come to light once children return to
school, risking an explosion in referrals.
“We urgently need investment in support for these children to
prevent long-term harm, and we must put children at the heart of
Government plans.
"Even before the pandemic hit, investment in vital early help had
fallen by £1.6 billion over the last ten years, and yet more and
more children are coming into care. To address this we need
strategic, multi-year funding to accompany the Government’s
reviews of early years and children’s social care, and to give
vulnerable children the best possible chance of a positive
future."
