The county’s failing children’s services overspent its budget by more than £1 million in the last financial year as it struggles to cope with increased demand.

A report presented to Bucks County Council’s (BCC) cabinet on Monday (May 21) stated children’s services are at “tipping point”, having overspent its budget by £1.7 million in 2017/18.

The council has been working to improve care for looked after children in the county after Ofsted inspectors once again rated the service inadequate at the beginning of this year. 

Nationally, children’s social care is being “pushed to breaking point”, according to the report, with 75 per cent of councils collectively overspending their budgets by a staggering £605 million.

A rise in the number of children being placed into care in Bucks and highly complex cases are adding further pressure to already stretched budgets.

The report stated: “There has been pressure due to the increase in the number of looked after children in year as well as increased unit costs. 

“The main increase has been in residential care placements with more complex cases attracting higher costs, as well as others in external fostering placements now being placed in residential care. 

“Nationally, children’s social care is being pushed to breaking point with 75% of councils overspending by more than £0.5m in 2015/16, collectively overspending their budgets by £605m.”

However the majority of services have managed to break even, while planning and environment has underspent by £0.9 million, resulting in an overall revenue underspend of £2.89 million for the last financial year.