The Government is reforming children’s social care through new legislation to help improve the sustainability of young people’s social care placements and funding via the Families First Partnership programme.
Last month, I attended a roundtable discussion on the children’s social care residential market in England, facilitated by Alison McGovern, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, and Josh MacAlister, Minister for Children and Families.
During the discussion, I made the case that any reform must deliver better outcomes for children while at the same time addressing the growing financial pressures councils face as demand for places continues to rise.
Reforms must also address the sufficiency and availability of placements, as well as the barriers we face in increasing local provision, which can sometimes, unfortunately, lead to children being placed a very long way from home.
I was pleased that ministers recognised the value of collaboration, and welcomed the LGA’s offer to convene councils, government and providers to shape a more sustainable and effective children’s care system.
Children’s social care will be one of the many issues covered at the LGA’s annual conference in Bournemouth next week (7-9 July).
I’m looking forward to seeing friends and colleagues at the event, but many of you will be aware that I will not be doing so as Chair of the LGA, having taken the difficult decision to stand down.
Chairing the LGA and working alongside such dedicated colleagues from across local government has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Thank you to everyone who has hosted me on council visits or shared their thoughts, experience and good practice with me over the past two years.
Finally, I would like to welcome and congratulate Cllr Emily O’Brien, as the recently elected Leader of the new LGA Green Group; and send my best wishes to Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council, who has been nominated to succeed me as LGA Chair.