Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Tracy Brabin

Tuesday 17th April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Tracy Brabin (Batley and Spen) (Lab/Co-op)]

4. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the adequacy of funding for children’s services.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Elizabeth Truss)]

In 2016-17, local authorities spent £11.9 billion on children’s services and childcare support, and we have seen child development outcomes improve significantly since 2013.

[Tracy Brabin]

With the number of young people subject to child protection inquiries rising by 140% in the past decade, it is deeply troubling that by 2020 there will be a £2 billion funding gap in children’s services. The Minister knows as well as I do that local authorities are crying out for more support, so what urgent funding can she now make available to protect these vulnerable children?

[Elizabeth Truss]

First, we have actually increased the spending for the most vulnerable by £1 billion since 2010. That is funding for the most vulnerable through local authorities. I would point out to the hon. Lady that the important thing is the outcomes we are achieving. The fact that child development outcomes have improved since 2013 and that more children are getting that good level of development shows that we are investing our money in the right areas.