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.'

 

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker / and or AMHP

Wakefield Council
grade 10 - grade 11, career grade
Wakefield Council would like to invite you to be part of our transformational changes in social work within secondary mental health services. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Social Worker - Social Care Direct x 2

Wakefield Council
£41,511.00 - £44,711.00, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
Social Care Direct have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Social Worker - Social Care Direct

Wakefield Council
£20,755.50 - £22,355.50, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
Social Care Direct have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Register your interest here to be notified for upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid E England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Forecasting Accountant Revenue

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Play a key role in shaping the financial future of Kensington and Chelsea.As a Financial Forecasting Accountant (Revenue), you'll sit at the heart of England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner