A recent report by the Competition and Markets Authority has revealed private providers of children’s social care are making excessive profits.

Local authorities often have no choice but to pay excessive fees for the private services.

The report comes during a national recruitment crisis of foster carers, which Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors brought attention to at a meeting of the Council this week.

According to Ofsted, the number of foster carers in England has only increased by 4% since 2014, but the number of children in foster care has gone up by around 11%.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Kerrie Bradburn is the Councillor Champion for Fostering:“This report is hard-hitting, but sadly not unexpected. The prices being charged by some independent providers is simply too expensive for local authorities, and unsustainable for us in the long-run.”

“We need more local authority foster carers to help us out of this situation. Children in care need to come first, not profits.”

Labour Councillor Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, added: “Here in Milton Keynes we make sure children remain at home as long as it is safe, but when we do bring children and young people into our care, we need more foster carers who can provide supportive and loving homes.”

“If you’re considering becoming a foster carer, please get in touch with the Council on the number below”.

MK Council Fostering Team: 01908 253206

Fostering Enquiry Form