I refer to the recent articles about children’s services: the extremely high rate of looked-after children (LAC), a projected overspend of £2.2million, and social workers in tears over their huge workload.

LAC are extremely costly. If the number were reduced, this would reduce expenditure and the workload of social workers.

If care proceedings were taken only when absolutely necessary, then the work of the court team would reduce.

The difficulty recruiting social workers in Herefordshire is the result of three damning High Court judgements and inadequate ratings by Ofsted.

Of the three job advertisements for social workers on the Hoople website, two mentioned an up-to £5,000 relocation payment, two a market forces supplement of £5,000, but only described beautiful and modern yet traditional Herefordshire.

The quality of life and excellent education should be emphasised to attract applicants.

The high LAC rate indicates that children are unnecessarily separated from their families.

Frankly, I am more concerned about the tears of such traumatised children than those of social workers.

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