Title

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Cost of living crisis to lead to 'catastrophic' winter

The cost of living crisis will have a ‘catastrophic’ impact, with increases in the number of children entering care and domestic violence cases, social workers have warned.

The cost of living crisis will have a ‘catastrophic' impact, with increases in the number of children entering care and domestic violence cases, social workers have warned.

A new survey of more than 240 social workers by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) found 95% strongly agreed that vulnerable people may die this winter due to the crisis.

Around 95% strongly agreed that domestic violence will increase and 75% strongly agreed that more children will come into care.

More than half (55%) said they strongly agreed that caseloads will become unmanageable.

When asked about the effects of the increasing cost of living on themselves, 43% said they feared they will struggle to pay their own bills and 20% expected to use a food bank.

BASW chief executive Ruth Allen said: ‘Social workers are among the best placed professionals to comment on the cost of living crisis.'

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Putting the sector in the Budget driving seat: The Budget councils deserve

By Simon Christian | 06 November 2025

Simon Christian says that while a Budget that reflects councils’ responsibilities and the urgency of the challenges ahead is vitally needed, this must be mat...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

EXCLUSIVE: Reorganisation should be last resort, says Unison boss

By Heather Jameson | 05 November 2025

Local government reorganisation should only be happening where there is ‘no choice’, general secretary of trade union Unison, Christina McAnea, has said.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Unison's chief targets a fairer future for local government workers

By Heather Jameson | 05 November 2025

Unison leader Christina McAnea warns of worsening local government finances, inadequate pay and persistent equal pay injustices. She advocates for fair fundi...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Sunderland leads UK Smart City revolution and tech growth

By Patrick Melia | 31 October 2025

Embedding connectivity infrastructure into the very fabric of urban life can ignite the conditions for rapid and transformative economic growth. For smart ci...

Popular articles by William Eichler