HC Deb 31 October 1979 vol 972 cc554-5W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average cost of keeping a child in residential care in England and Wales at the present time.

Sir George Young

The estimated average cost to local authorities in England and Wales in 1977–78 of maintaining a child in a community home or registered voluntary home was £90 a week. This figure includes capital charges, but excludes administration and field social work costs which cannot be allocated to specific services; no deduction has been made in respect of parental contributions.