House of Lords Public Services Committee launches inquiry into children’s social care

The committee has invited written evidence to be submitted by Monday 26 October 2026, and expects to report on its findings in the next few months.

The committee noted: “Children’s social care is the system of support that children, young people and their families receive from their local authorities when they need support. The purpose of the system is to support these groups by addressing any problems early, intervening decisively when there is likelihood of harm, and to provide care for those who need it.

“However, there are a number of factors that impact the operational effectiveness of the overall social care system.”

The inquiry is expected to examine a range of issues, including:

• System demand;
• Key drivers for the increase in local authority spending;
• Potential profiteering by private firms who provide services;
• Shortages in foster carers;
• The effectiveness of residential care placements;
• The impact of unregistered illegal children’s homes.

According to the committee, the inquiry will also look at how the system is regulated and outcomes for care-experienced children.

The 12-member committee is chaired by Labour life peer Lord Bradley and includes former Conservative education minister Lord Jo Johnson and Liberal Democrat Baroness Caroline Pidgeon.

Lord Bradley said: “The purpose of the children’s social care system is to support families, children and young people where they need extra help. This support should ultimately allow these children and young people to thrive and reach their full potential in life so they can in turn create stable environments of their own.
 
“Our inquiry will examine several factors which affect the way in which the system operates. There are multiple participants in ensuring the system works effectively including local authorities, regulators, government officials and departments which we need to hear from so that we can examine in detail the issues highlighted in our call for evidence. In addition, we want to hear from stakeholder organisations and people with lived experience of the system.
 
“The goal of this inquiry is to explore obstacles, outcomes for care-experienced children, and consider possible solutions as well as highlighting any good practice and how that can be shared to improve the system so that it will benefit the children and young people it is meant to serve. We look forward to receiving responses.”

Lottie Winson