Should social work student funding be aligned with levels for nursing and teaching?

England's local councils employ over 56,000 children's and adult social workers facing high vacancy rates, retention challenges, and placement shortages. The Local Government Association urges strengthening the Social Work Bursary and Education Support Grant in a Department of Health and Social Care consultation. Reforms should widen access for underrepresented students, improve travel support, and enhance placements without reducing overall investment.