THERE are more than 336 looked after children in Herefordshire, the latest figures reveal.

The update report on reducing the number of children looked after by carers was presented to the children and young people scrutiny committee this week.

Figures show a reduction of 14 in the number of children in care since last year.

The council says children should only be looked after when this is in their best interests and the risks justify the level of intervention by social care.

As the impact for children of being looked after outside of their family is profound as is the long-term involvement of social workers.

The average annual cost of looked after children is around £51,000 for each child.

MORE NEWS Go-ahead for Hereford's future university

Councillors said they were pleased with the reduction in numbers of looked after children but officers warned the economic impact of Covid-19 may lead to a future increase.

“A recession often brings with them often need and demand on services for vulnerable children and families,” children and families director Chris Baird said.

“We just need to be mindful and work through that when we work through these targets.

“I haven’t got a crystal ball but I am aware that nationally, and if you read some of the comments from the children’s commissioners and Ofsted annual report, there are emerging areas of concern and pressure for support for vulnerable children and families.”

Sam Pratley asked what additional funding would be available to deal with the impact Covid-19 is having on the most troubled families.

“It’s a developing picture,” Mr Baird replied.

“There’s things like the hardship fund which has received national attention. There’s discussion about how children and families will be supported through holiday schemes but that comes through from next Easter.

“There is funding being released to local authorities for Covid-19 some of which we still don”t know the details of.”