Budget for kids in care bust for second year - get a grip say Liberal Democrats

Newcastle City Council's budget for children's social care is set for an overspending by £6.5m this year - following the budget being blown last year by £5.66 million. The money is used for around 550 looked-after children in care.

The city's Liberal Democrat opposition has questioned whether the council itself can do more to get the situation back under control.

Deputy leader Nick Cott said: "I am very sympathetic with the problem of increased demand for children's social care.

"But every year the council says that it is trying to get this under control and always seems to fail.

"That doesn't provide me or the public with confidence that this is under control.

"There is a national context to this with the increased demand and the government does need to be taking action across the country.

"But the council has set its budget and believes that it is achievable, and if it is not meeting that then it is something that needs to be discussed and openly debated.

"Otherwise, people will not have confidence that the council is in control of its own finances.

"I have sympathy with the council, but I don't think it is dealing with this to be best of its abilities."