Commentary on Sections Local authority services Section 54: Information about individual children
229.This section amends section 83 of the Children Act 1989 by inserting a new subsection (4A). Section 83(4A) enables particulars required to be transmitted by local authorities and voluntary organisations under subsections (3) and (4) respectively, to include information that relates to and identifies individual children. The type of information transmitted under subsections (3) and (4) will include name, a unique pupil reference number, and postcode. The information transmitted will be used to fulfil the Secretary of State’s functions in relation to children and young people. In particular information on individual children will be used by the Secretary of State for statistical analysis in order to inform and review policy about children and young people. It will also be used to ensure that local practitioners have all the relevant and accurate information they need to carry out their functions.