Councils increase expenditure on children's social care

Finalised data for spending by local authorities in 2012/13 shows that the total cost of children’s social care came to £6.73bn, up from £6.56bn in 2011/12, an increase of £169m.

But the figures, compiled by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), contain significant variations in spending on different service areas, and in the staff costs and running costs within each of these service areas. 

On looked-after children's services - a service category area that includes the costs of residential care placements, fostering services, and leaving care support - authorities across England spent £161.4m more in 2012/13 than in 2011/12.

This was however down largely to an increase of £183m on running expenses – which increased from £2.3bn in 2011/12, to £2.5bn in 2012/13 – a rise of eight per cent.

But staff costs within the service area were reduced by six per cent, or £37.8m, from £627.5m in 2011/12 to £589.8m in 2012/13.

Based on the UK average wage of £26,500, that represents 1,426 fewer staff across England.

Elsewhere, spending on the service category of children and young people’s safety slumped by nearly a half (48.6 per cent) from £374.4m in 2011/12 to £192.3m in 2012/13 – a drop of £182m.