CYP Now - Struggling council could trigger rarely used powers to charge parents for care costs

Derbyshire County Council could ask parents to cover up to 50% of individual costs of children in foster care.

Local authorities are planning to raise council tax in order to fund vital social care services. Picture: Adobe Stock

The decision on whether to request payment would be made by social workers, the council states - Adobe Stock

A report by the council states that the proposals are based on “severe financial pressures” facing the local authority.

The council's 2024/25 budget report, published in February, forecasts a £21mn projected overspend on children’s services in Derbyshire in 2023/24, contributing to a funding gap of more than £34mn.

The proposal, which is permitted under the Children Act 1989, would apply to parents of children under 16 looked after under a section 20 order.

According to the council’s report, it could be applied to families who have “agreed to a child coming into the care of the local authority but who retain ‘parental responsibility’ for their child under S20 of the Children Act 1989”.

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