William Eichler 26 November 2024

Council ‘being slowly bankrupted’ by social care charges

Council ‘being slowly bankrupted’ by social care charges image
Image: @JonathanBrash

Labour MP Jonathan Brash has told the Commons that Hartlepool Borough Council is ‘being slowly bankrupted’ by private children's social care providers engaging in ‘outrageous profiteering’.

Speaking in response to Bridget Phillipson's plans to cap the profits of children's social care firms, Mr Brash said the council’s four top private providers charge an average of £12,000 per week per child.

Cllr Rachel Creevy, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Children's Services Committee, said: 'Like many northern councils, Hartlepool is facing significant and sustained pressures on Children's Social Care, with private market costs being a major factor. Children's Social Care spend has increased from £23m in 2019/20 to £41m in 2023/24. We expect to spend close to £46m in 2024/25, representing a circa 100% increase in costs over five years. Whilst the Council is facing a number of cost and funding pressures, Children's Social Care spend is the biggest threat to the Council's financial sustainability and we welcome any government plans that may address this position, including any cap on profits.'

 

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Newly Qualified Social Worker - Family Support & Protection

Essex County Council
Up to £34902.0000 per annum
Newly Qualified Social Worker - Family Support & ProtectionPermanent, Full Time£34,902 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer

East Cambridgeshire District Council
£84,607 to £107,153 per annum plus benefits
The Council is looking for a highly skilled and strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: East Cambridgeshire District Council

Senior Practitioner - Children & Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People with Disabilities, Mid EssexFixed Term, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 to £49,084 Pro-rata
Class Teacher M1- UPR3 £31,650 to £49,084 Pro-rata Permanent Part Time, Whole Time Required from 1st September 2025 Shotton Primary School is a happy Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Key Stage 1 Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650-£43,607 pro rata
Key Stage 1 Class Teacher M1-6   £31,650-£43,607 pro rata Part Time, Whole Time, 0.4 FTE Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 until 31st Augus Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner