According to an analysis by the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), the north of England is home to little over a quarter (28%) of all children in the country, but more than a third (36%) of those who are in care.
“Prevention services, family support, Sure Start, and investment in youth services have been cut, especially in the areas where they are most needed,” he stated.
“Poverty has increased in those areas, which has led to an increase in the number of children in the foster system and is severely taxing the health and care systems.”
Health Equity North, an organization committed to tackling public health concerns and health inequalities in the North of England, funded and conducted the research for this report. It utilized data that was already accessible, including official statistics and scholarly research.
The report claims that the higher rates of children entering care over the last four years have resulted in additional costs for the North totaling at least £25 billion.
