Report Reveals £25 Billion Burden on Children's Services in North of England

A new report has exposed significant disparities in child care rates between the North and South of England, with the North shouldering a disproportionate burden on its stretched children's services. The report, published by the University of Liverpool on behalf of the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), highlights the immense pressure placed on northern regions due to higher rates of children entering care.

According to the analysis, one in every 52 children in Blackpool is in care, compared to one in 140 across England. The North accounts for 28% of the child population but over 36% of the children in care. Researchers estimate that the higher rates of children entering care in the North have cost the region at least £25 billion more in the past four years.

The report attributes this disparity to decades of underinvestment in the North, leading to a rise in child poverty and a lack of preventative services. This has resulted in a greater reliance on private residential care providers, which compounds challenges in accessing quality education for children in care.

Why this matters: The findings expose social inequalities in the child welfare system and the urgent need for targeted policies and investment to address the disproportionate burden on children's services in the North of England.

Professor David Taylor, co-author of the report, says the findings reflect a "doom loop," where cuts to prevention services and rising poverty have pushed more children into the care system, putting pressure on local and national government. The report recommends policies to reduce child poverty, invest in prevention strategies, and provide more support for older children and those leaving care.

A Department for Education spokesperson acknowledged the need for early intervention and support for care leavers, stating, "We are investing in pilot areas and providing £250 million in support for care leavers." The department has also committed to addressing the challenges faced by children in the North through targeted policies and increased funding for preventative measures.

Key Takeaways

• Stark disparities in child care rates between North and South England
• 1 in 52 children in Blackpool are in care vs 1 in 140 across England
• North accounts for 36% of children in care despite 28% of child population
• Underinvestment in North leads to higher child poverty and less prevention
• £25 billion more spent on child care in North over past 4 years