The number of vulnerable children requiring help and support in Darlington has increased by over 100 per cent in the last two years. 

The growing demand in social care services alongside rising inflation and interest rates has forced Darlington Borough Council to spend more to keep them running.

Over two thirds of the local authority’s expenditure is currently spent on adult and children’s social care, caring for the most vulnerable. 

And despite Town Hall officials warning of tight budgets and a lack of funds, the pressures aren’t set to reduce any time soon. 

Figures show referrals have increased by 118 per cent and early help assessments by 165 per cent in the last two years, and there has been a 33 per cent increase in children in the council’s care since pre pandemic levels. 

Rising inflation and interest rates have directly impacted the local authority’s adult care contracts, which increased by 15.6 per cent over the last year.

Council Leader Stephen Harker said: “Demand for council services is increasing dramatically, especially children’s social care. Inflation has been high - over 15 per cent for adult care costs - as have interest rates.”

A recent review found the council’s current over-reliance on externally provided children’s social care placements is unsustainable and it needs to diversify the range of directly provided services in order to meet the needs of children and improve placement stability.

Up to £28,000 a year could be saved by using the council’s own foster care service instead of external providers. 

The current cost pressures come as councillors continue to find ways of balancing the council budget through increased income fees and services. 

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Cllr Harker warned: “Continued rising demand and rising costs means our reserves will run out by the end of 2025/26. Without support from the government - and that is looking unlikely, we will be facing some bleak choices next year.” 

The Labour leader also pointed to the Government’s independent review into children’s social care, which called for a ‘fundamental reset’ and a £2bn cash boost. Yet only £200m was invested, he said. 

“Without this reset the review was clear that we will face a continuing rise in the number of children in care - a tragedy in itself - and a crippling rise in cost,” cllr Harker said.