WIREDGOV

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, responds to the Government's announcement of a £40 million package to tackle child sexual abuse and trafficking.

"Child sexual abuse is an appalling crime, and helping to protect vulnerable children is one of the most important challenges that councils tackle every day.

"The measures announced today will make sure that we have the best evidence we can about preventing, tackling and helping victims to recover from child sexual abuse and exploitation, and much-needed investment in services will help partners work together to keep more children safe.

"However, it is important the Government recognises the wider funding pressures facing social workers and others trying to deliver services for vulnerable children, with councils facing a £1.9 billion funding gap in children's services by 2020. While funding individual programmes of work is positive, a coordinated long-term strategy and funding to protect all children is vital.

"The Centre of Expertise will draw together both existing evidence and new research to support all agencies in their work to protect children and young people. In asking Barnardo's to lead the Centre of Expertise with support from the LGA, the London Metropolitan University and others, the Home Office has recognised the depth of experience, skills and knowledge held by those partners, as well as the value of working together to develop a deeper understanding of child sexual abuse and how we can most effectively look after some of our most vulnerable children.

Government delivers £40 million to tackle child sexual abuse and child trafficking