Family Rights Group’s response to Spending Review 2025

Cathy Ashley OBE, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group said:

“Family Rights Group strongly welcomes the Government’s commitment to investing in a children’s social care system where families get help early before their problems escalate. It is critical to ensuring more children can stay safely in their families and care experienced young people can access the support they need to thrive in life. We have long campaigned for the reform and investment needed to make that happen.

“A £1billion investment in children’s social care announced today, alongside an expansion of free school meals, childcare entitlements and the previously announced prevention grant, is a significant step towards delivering the ambition of a family-first child welfare system and tackling the scourge of child poverty.

“The need for urgent action is clear. There are record numbers of children in the care system, many isolated living far away from family and friends. One in three children are living in poverty and families are struggling to parent in conditions of adversity. Children and families often can’t get the help they need early when problems arise. Kinship families raising the children of relatives or friends are stepping up and yet it is often a battle to access support. Local authorities and public services are overwhelmed.

“We will continue to work with the Government to ensure the investment announced today and ongoing reforms, including to rollout family led decision making, benefit children and their families who urgently need it.”