Derbyshire council proposes parents pay for children's care costs
- Derbyshire County Council is facing unprecedented financial challenges, prompting a proposal to charge parents for children's care costs.
- The charges would apply only to children entering care under voluntary agreements, with estimates suggesting around 28 families would be affected.
- Critics argue that this policy could exacerbate tensions between parents and social workers, potentially leading to higher long-term costs.
In Derbyshire, England, a local council is contemplating charging parents of children taken into care half of the weekly costs due to severe financial pressures. The council faces unprecedented challenges that hinder its ability to provide essential services, prompting the need to explore alternative income sources. The proposed charges would apply to children entering care under voluntary agreements, not those taken under court orders. Critics argue that this policy could strain relationships between parents and social workers, potentially leading to higher long-term costs and undermining efforts to keep families together. The council estimates that around 28 families would be affected, with charges ranging from £89.60 to £113.35 per week, which could generate approximately £165,000 annually. However, this amount is minimal compared to the projected £13 million overspend in children's services. The council's cabinet member acknowledged the need for policy changes due to financial constraints, while a government spokesperson expressed understanding of the challenges faced by councils and a commitment to improving life chances for vulnerable children.