The number of looked-after children in England is almost 18 per cent higher than 10 years ago, with 81,770 in the care of councils as of 31 March 2025. In 2015, the figure was 69,460, according to the most recent Department for Education figures.
Meanwhile, the number of child protection investigations carried out by councils stood at 230,590 in the year up to 31 March 2025 – averaging 631 every day, according to LGA analysis.
Key drivers behind the increase in children needing support include mental health concerns and domestic abuse. The rise in investigations has also been fuelled by an increase in schools making referrals to children’s social services.
It follows recent warnings by the LGA of the worsening financial pressures on councils, reflected in councils overspending on children’s social care by an average of 14.2 per cent annually.
The LGA is calling on the Government to ensure that all councils receive sufficient funding to invest long term into family help, child protection, child in care and care leaver services.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the LGA’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: “Councils want to do everything they can to support children and young people, and help them to lead happy lives where they can thrive.
“However, these figures are a reminder of the huge pressures that councils are under to provide this support.”