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

Giving the people of Ealing a headstart

By Tony Clements | 14 September 2026

Tony Clements explains how Ealing LBC's family friendly policies represent the reality of today's workforce and are also a reflection of its wider commitment...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Local government reorganisation is a crisis of trust

By Cllr Kevin Bentley | 10 September 2026

Cllr Kevin Bentley says the Government’s approach to reorganisation has damaged finances, trust and confidence within councils.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

The local government reorganisation reset changes the recruitment brief

By Liam Young | 09 September 2026

Liam Young examines how councils can reset recruitment, retain talent and rebuild confidence after local government reorganisation uncertainty.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Drowning in AI tide

By Dan Peters | 08 September 2026

Generative AI is making it easier than ever for residents to complain, object and request information – and councils are struggling to cope. Dan Peters inves...

Popular articles by William Eichler

-->