950 children now in care and the rise is expected to continue

DERBYSHIRE TO SPEND £31.5M ON MORE RESIDENTIAL CARE

THE number of children in care in Derbyshire has increased greatly in the last four years, and the council predicts the rise to continue.

There are currently 952 children in care across Derbyshire, compared to 711 in March 2018.

Addressing Derbyshire County Council’s ruling cabinet group, member for children’s services Councillor Julie Patten said the figure equated to an increase of 53 children per year. She commented that the rise was in keeping with the rest of the country, adding: “We expect this trend to continue.”

Members approved the procurement of a block contract for children’s residential home places for a period of up to seven years, at a value of £31.5 million. Councillor Patten stated: “Placement costs are increasing and standing still is really not an option for us.”

She said the neighbouring authorities of Derby and Nottingham city councils, and Nottinghamshire County Council, used block contracts to manage the cost of residential care, and the county council expected to save £2.5 million over the life of the contract by doing the same.

Under the block contract it is proposed that up to ten long-term residential home placements and up to 20 short breaks for children with disabilities will be procured each year,” Councillor Patten said.

The money will be taken from the council’s existing placements budget.