Devolution is a chance to end the postcode lottery in inequality and fairness for children, according to the Children's Commissioner.

In The Childhood Lottery published today, Dame Rachel de Souza names the hardest places to grow up in England and warns of a ‘state of emergency' in some communities.

In a speech this afternoon, de Souza will say devolution represents an opportunity for a ‘clean break' by providing ‘structures, and therefore new opportunities to think about, listen to, and deliver for children'.

The Children's Commissioner will name the hardest places to grow up in England based on access to health and social care, education and housing, safety in their community, opportunities to play and whether children have a voice in the decisions made by leaders. Middlesborough is ranked the most challenging place to be a child.

The report also ranks the least challenging places to be a child with Cheshire East coming out top.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: ‘This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of families, schools, partner organisations and communities, all of whom play a vital role in helping children and young people thrive. 

‘As we work towards becoming a Marmot Council, we are committed to tackling the root causes of inequality, reducing barriers to opportunity and ensuring that every child has the support they need to achieve their full potential.'

The report makes a number of recommendations, including

• minimum standards for children's outcomes, and where these outcomes are not hit, a national fund that local areas can draw down on to deliver the services that children need
• strategic authorities adopting a children's test for the impact of their policies, including access to good housing, their safety in their local area, or their chances of getting a good job
• every strategic authority having a deputy mayor for children, or designated lead for children.

Reaction

Cllr Natalie Oliver, chair of the Local Government Association's Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: ‘As this data shows, every area has different challenges which no single organisation can tackle alone. It is important that local partners work together to address those, and to make sure that all children and families get the support they need, when they need it.

‘The Government's plans to "rewire the state" need to make sure public services have the right resources, duties and powers at the right levels, to deliver the best possible outcomes for and with their communities.'

Chair of the Education Committee Helen Hayes said: ‘The Government has set out a vision for improving children's lives across the country.  We now need to see the detail of how this will be delivered, so that children are supported to overcome the tidal wave of challenges they currently face. The committee will publish our reports on these issues soon, setting out our recommendations to the Government on the action that is needed.'

Education secretary Lucy Powell said the Government was targeting support where it was needed most, including the roll out of 1,000 Family Hubs.

Powell added: ‘We're investing and reforming at every stage of a child's journey, from more childcare support for their earliest years and higher standards in our schools, broader community support with the roll out of our National Youth strategy and Young Future hubs, to more training and job opportunities as they approach adulthood.'