Gateshead Council has proposed closing the two children's homes it runs, making alternative arrangements for children currently living in them. It estimates the move would save it £435,000 over the next two years.
Meanwhile Blackpool Council has said it will conduct a review of three children's homes it runs. It has estimated that it can make £800,000 of savings, out of a total of £1.98m it needs to cut from its children's services budget for 2016/17, this way. However, it has not outlined where the £800,000 will come from.
It is unclear how many other local authorities are considering cuts or closures of children's homes, but it is not the first time a council has taken such action. In 2013 Essex County Council announced plans to close all 12 of its children's homes.
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