What next?
By taking two different approaches, this work has described some of the drivers behind up to 50% of the variation in spend on children’s services.
However, it also highlights operational and financial considerations for local authorities when looking at their own spend.
It is not logical to expect authorities to converge on a single ‘right’ value of spend
The narrative needs to be based on local system understanding and the appropriate cost of achieving the ideal outcomes for children and families.