HC Deb 20 July 1981 vol 9 cc30-1W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average annual cost to public funds of maintaining a child in care.

Sir George Young

The estimated annual cost to local authorities in England of maintaining a child in care in 1979–80, the latest year for which information is available centrally, is £3,429. This figure includes running costs and capital charges before deduction of parental contributions, but excludes associated administrative and field social work costs.