Local government cuts are putting the wellbeing of children and young people at risk, according to the Children’s Commissioner. Analysis by the BBC indicates that local authorities will be making savings of £3bn this financial year, leaving a funding shortfall of more than £5.7bn by 2026-27. Experts in local government suggest that councils have already carried out all easy cuts, and are now struggling to protect key social care services for children and adults. Councils are also drawing down on reserves, with over £1bn used to balance budgets in the current year. Nineteen councils have appealed for government financial assistance, an unprecedented number, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has said, “Children must not pay the price for balancing budgets”. Chief executive of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, Lynn Perry, argued that services which address challenges before they escalate, such as family centres and youth projects, are under threat and integral to ensuring children are supported throughout their lives. Meanwhile, school leaders union NAHT General Secretary, Paul Whiteman, said that there is a tough reality that many schools and families face as education budgets are cut by the councils.
Disabled people are also affected by budget cuts to local government. Disability Rights UK’s Mikey Erhardt said many are being plunged into “hardship, isolation, distress and deepening poverty” as a result. Care and support are often insufficient and unable to provide disabled citizens with the tools to address challenges and support a full life.
Examples of councils cutting non-essential services have also emerged. The BBC report has revealed the approval of the removal of flagpoles in some areas, the ending of long service awards and reductions in the numbers of coastal lifeguards. Campaigners say the budgetary crisis in local government is having negative impacts on disabled people’s lives. The LGiU and LGA are calling on the new Labour government to provide councils with more financial stability, including the introduction of multi-year funding arrangements
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