'Postcode lottery' driving children's inequality in England, commissioner warns
Summary
A new report by England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, says children in England face big unfair differences in health, education, and safety based on where they live. The report calls these differences a "postcode lottery" and urges the government to set minimum standards and provide emergency funding to improve services for children.Key Facts
- Children’s services in England are described as being in a "state of emergency."
- The report looked at 100 different measures, including health, education, safety, and social care.
- Children’s experiences vary widely by location, not explained just by poverty.
- Over one million children were referred to mental health services in 2024-25.
- 55% of children do not meet good standards in English and math exams (GCSEs).
- One million people aged 16-24 in the UK are not working, studying, or training.
- Some areas spend nothing on youth services, resulting in worse outcomes for children.
- The report recommends creating minimum service standards and giving local leaders more power to improve children's services.
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