County council demands Government fix children's services funding 'injustice'
Suffolk County Council has written to the Education Secretary demanding a funding overhaul, arguing the county is short-changed compared with neighbouring areas on both children's social care and education spending.
Why it matters: Cllr Simon Aalders, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, says the funding gap leaves the county's children and young people at a "severe disadvantage" despite a growing population of under-18s.
The details: In a letter to the Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Secretary of State for Education, dated Friday, 18 September 2026, Cllr Aalders sets out concerns that Suffolk receives significantly less funding than comparable authorities, despite rising demand.
- Suffolk allocates £957.92 per head on children's social care – the second lowest among its near-neighbour authorities, and £227 below the near-neighbour average of £1,184.59.
- The county receives £5,200 per pupil for education services, also the second lowest in its near-neighbour group. This compares with £5,400 in Essex and £5,350 in Norfolk. The national average is just over £5,250.
- Suffolk's under-18 population stands at 19.4%, higher than the national average.
What they're saying: Cllr Aalders said: "This funding system has left Suffolk residents short-changed for far too long, and our children and young people at a severe disadvantage.
"Somehow, we find ourselves paying into a system while receiving less back in return for essential local services.
"This is not right. Our children deserve the same opportunity to succeed as a child anywhere else in the country.
"We are not asking the Government for special treatment. We are asking for fair treatment, and we will fight for every pound that is rightly owed to us."
In his letter, Cllr Aalders wrote: "We are not asking to be put ahead of our neighbours, just a simple equalisation with the average income for our county."
For context: Cllr Aalders has also written to all Suffolk MPs, asking them to support the campaign and raise the issue directly with ministers. Ipswich MP Jack Abbott was approached for comment.
What's next: Suffolk County Council is calling on the Government to review its funding position and align the county's allocation more closely with comparable areas.
The bottom line: Suffolk County Council says the county's children and young people are losing out under the current funding system, and it is now pressing ministers and MPs to close a gap it says has persisted for years.
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