Ellie Ames 29 November 2023

LGA lays bare ‘astronomical’ care costs

LGA lays bare ‘astronomical’ care costs image
Image: Alena Zolot / Shutterstock.com

There has been a 1,000% rise over five years in the number of children’s social care placements that cost councils £10,000 or more a week, the Local Government Association (LGA) has found.

In 2018-19, there were 120 placements costing £10,000 or more; in 2022-23, there were 1,510.

The LGA said the findings highlight a ‘broken’ market for children’s care placements, and 98% of councils said a lack of choice is behind rising costs.

The shortage of suitable provision means local authorities can be ‘held to ransom’ by private providers, the president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), John Pearce, added.

He said: ‘Providers can pick and choose which referrals to accept and set the price due to overwhelming demand particularly for placements for children with the complex needs.’

The chair of the LGA’s children and young people board, Louise Gittins, said the lack of choice often also means that provision does not fully meet children’s needs.

She added that the ‘astronomical’ costs of care placements leave councils with less money to spend on earlier support for children and families.

The ADCS stressed that the issues ‘cannot be solved by councils alone’ and urged the Government to act to help meet the needs of children in care.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner