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

Nobody ever voted for a map

By Ben Page | 17 August 2026

Rewiring the State offers the most significant shift in local government for a generation, but there is still a lot that has been left unwritten, says Ben Page.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Could changing the way we think about care help deliver economic growth?

By Jim McKenna | 14 August 2026

Research commissioned by Cornwall Council shows social care drives economic growth, jobs, wellbeing and wider social value, says Cllr Jim McKenna.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

As London's rough sleepers drop by 10% – can Burnham make that figure national?

By By Dan Peters | 13 August 2026

In his first speech after taking office, standing on the steps of Downing Street, Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Power must be matched by funding if devolution is to deliver

By Cllr Graham Morgan | 11 August 2026

Graham Morgan argues that devolution's promise will only be delivered if new powers for local leaders are matched by proper, sustained funding for councils.

Popular articles by William Eichler