- Middlesbrough, Hounslow and Bradford have been identified as the most challenging places in England for young people to grow up in a landmark study by the Children's Commissioner.
- The study, titled The Childhood Lottery, evaluated every local authority using nearly 100 metrics spanning healthcare, social care, housing, education and safety.
- Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza warned of a state of emergency in certain communities due to severe regional disparities in service delivery.
- Cheshire East, Merton and Surrey were found to be the least challenging areas for young people, illustrating a clear postcode lottery across the country.
- Dame Rachel is urging central government action and recommending key reforms, including appointing a deputy mayor for children in every strategic authority.
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