Children in care in UK cost taxpayers £2m.

THIRTY-ONE local children have been placed in care in the UK at a cost of more than £2m. – despite claims that their parents felt able to look after them.

Deputy Laurie Queripel, pictured, said many parents felt let down by Health and Social Services and believed they could have continued caring for their children if the department had been more supportive.

The figures were revealed after the Vale deputy submitted written questions to HSSD asking why children were sent away when there 'is evidence parents are willing and apparently able to care for them', and also about the costs involved in this procedure.

• The department said it works with children and families to enable them to provide appropriate care, guidance and control. But it said it was not possible for some children to continue to live with their birth parents and therefore all extended family options would be considered and assessed.