REPORTS of child neglect in Cumbria have increased by more than 60 per cent, according to worrying figures released today.

The NSPCC has expressed deep concern over the rise in the number of neglect referrals to children's services made nationally over the past five years.

In Cumbria during 2016-17 there were 126 referrals made by the children's charity to partner agencies such as the police or county-run social services.

This was a rise of 68 per cent compared to 2011-12 when there were only 75 referrals.

Across the UK the figures were just as stark, with 16,882 referrals to children’s services or the police made in 2016-17, equivalent to 46 every day.

Loretta Blackburn, chairwoman of the Furness branch of the NSPCC, responded to the latest figures.

She said: "I think these figures are horrifying to increase that sort of rate. Government spending is down, but I think awareness (of neglect) has increased, so reporting is higher.

"To me, it is a good thing that reporting is higher as more children are getting help."

She urged people who suspect a child is being neglected to report it, and not let a "British" sense of embarrassment get in the way.

She continued: "It is a very British complaint, we don't want to get involved in people's lives, we are reluctant."

Neglect of a child is wide-ranging, from emotional or physical, to not having enough money or support to care for them.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Neglect can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children, and can also be an indicator of other forms of abuse. This is why it is so important for anyone suspecting a child of being neglected to contact the NSPCC helpline."

Detective Inspector Jason McKenna, of Cumbria police, said: "We recognise that reporting a suspicion of child abuse or neglect is not an easy thing to do, but if you have a feeling that something isn’t right, it is better to be safe than sorry."

Kate Mulley, director of policy and campaigns for Action for Children, suggested local authorities were "failing children."

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council responded, saying: "Cumbria County Council takes the issue of child neglect extremely seriously. Our commitment to the wellbeing and safety of children and young people is the council’s top priority. Working closely with the Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, the council has invested time and resources to help keep children safe by improving the way that all partners work together.

"In January we launched the Cumbria LSCB Neglect Strategy, complemented by a working protocol, for all agencies in Cumbria. If anyone has any concerns about a child, please contact the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727."

When asked what she would say to people hesitant to report suspected neglect, Mrs Blackburn said: "Come forward, report it and let the authorities act. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep children safe."

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