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

Planning for the worst

By Martin Ford | 22 September 2026

As the UK faces a myriad of large-scale threats that only grows longer with each passing year, how well equipped is local government to cope? Martin Ford rep...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

What it will really take to Rewire the State

By Dawn Plimmer | 21 September 2026

Three things are needed now for public service reform at scale, say Sarah Gillinson and Dawn Plimmer.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Using data to plan the future of adult social care

By Pete Sidgwick | 17 September 2026

Hilary Hall and Pete Sidgwick look at how shared intelligence can help councils anticipate demand, workforce pressures and market risks.

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...

Popular articles by William Eichler

-->