£23m social care overspend in Worcestershire bleak - councillor

Worcestershire Children First runs children's services on behalf of Worcestershire County Council

The government must "step up" to help with social care as councillors in Worcestershire predict a £23m budget gap by the end of the year.

Councillor Nathan Desmond said the situation was "bleak" as officials discussed the children's services overspend which was expected to grow.

The cost of finding placements for vulnerable children and transport had all risen, the county council said.

Mr Desmond said the funding system needed to change.

The budget figures for Worcestershire Children First, which runs children's services on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, were discussed by councillors at the children and families scrutiny meeting at County Hall on 27 September.

Worcestershire County Council said the cost of placements for the most vulnerable children and young people was expected to be 18% over budget by the end of the year.

The number of placements had risen by more than 10% compared to a year ago as well as the cost - by a fifth in less than a year on average - with some now more than £20,000 a week.

Home-to-school transport costs had also risen due to inflation with the service expected to have an overspend of about £6m this year.

'Going to run dry'

The council's dedicated schools grant reserve, given to the authority through a national government formula, was also facing a £28m gap by the end of 2024, which would grow to £37m by 2025.

Conservative councillor Mr Desmond, who represents the Kidderminster St Marys division, questioned where councils can go for help.

"You can't keep dipping [into reserves] year upon year to fund £18m, £20m," he said.

"At some point, the well is going to run dry. And ultimately, it's a short-term position, it's not sustainable in the long term. We're not dealing with current pressures let alone predicted pressures.

"I think the government needs to step up - especially for top-tier local authorities… the [funding] system needs to change. Where can councils go?"

Green councillor Matthew Jenkins said: "You've got £37m [as a predicted gap in the 'dedicated schools grant' fund] and a potential £22m overspend [in the WCF budget].

"You add that together it's a lot of money. Even with some changes in policy, it needs more money."

"Is it a case of we need more money from the government?" Cllr Jenkins asked.

Tina Russell, chief executive of Worcestershire Children First, said: "Yes. Absolutely. That message is continuing to be out there."

In August, a BBC investigation revealed the average council faces a £33m predicted deficit by 2025-26 - a rise of 60% from £20m two years ago.