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

Pepper, me and the UK care crisis

By Julia Ross | 04 September 2026

Julia Ross shares the story behind the creation of her tale of robots, safeguarding, loneliness and social care.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Calls to ease borrowing restrictions in wake of homes buying blitz

By By Paul Marinko | 03 September 2026

Councils are demanding the Government ease borrowing restrictions to help them confront the nation’s housing crisis.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Councils bulk buying housing from developers to ease pressures

By Paul Marinko | 03 September 2026

With the housing market stalled, councils are bulk buying homes intended for private sale at huge discounts in a bid to ease their temporary accommodation co...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Why social care reform must tackle more than cost

By Gerard Crofton-Martin | 02 September 2026

Social care reform must deal with financial inequality and widen choice, control and personalisation, writes Gerard Crofton-Martin.

Popular articles by William Eichler