WORCESTERSHIRE'S high number of children relying on social services for care has been blamed for both last year's and this year's overspend.

Social Services says it is unable to cope with the financial burden of having 150 more children in its care than in similar authorities.

During its investigations the scrutiny panel discovered the problem is not exclusive to Worcestershire - there has been a rise in the number of children looked after across the country.

Nationally one in five children now live in poverty and there has been a rise in domestic violence.

The demand for places in the looked-after system now exceeds supply, keeping prices high to all authorities.

In the West Midlands alone there has been a rise in demand of between eight and 15 per cent, resulting in an overspend of at least £14m due to reliance on external agency and foster placements.

In Worcestershire there are not only more children in looked-after care than in other shire authorities, but there has also been a faster than average rise in the number of youngsters being made subject to care orders.

The scrutiny panel was told Worcestershire has more looked-after children because youngsters remain in the system longer here.

Also, historically there has been a lack of investment in family support services and the county has reduced support for adults with moderate to severe learning difficulties, many of whom have now become failing parents.

The financial burden of these youngsters is £3m.