A £10MILLION investment will aim to help the borough's social care provision.

The ambition forms a major part of a £10m investment by Wigan Council.

With budgets for children’s social care under increasing pressure, the move aims to reduce the local authority’s use of agency staff and expensive out-of-borough placements.

The announcement, made at full council earlier this month, follows on from the establishment of a new board to bring a “brilliant at the basics” approach to social work across the borough.

Cllr Jenny Bullen, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “The Covid pandemic has meant further pressure being placed on the system with a significant increase in the complexity of issues affecting our children.

“This, along with more longstanding pressures due to funding cuts, has equated to more than 100 additional children and young people requiring our care services.

“This significant investment by Wigan Council will ensure we increase our capacity to continue to manage children’s cases safely and effectively.”

In addition to forming the Wigan Deal for Children and Young People Board (WDCYPB), the children’s services directorate has also recruited more social workers and experienced managers to its team in recent months.

Processes to monitor performance and governance within the sector have also been strengthened.

The WDCYPB is independently led and will provide regular progress reports to elected members.

Cllr Bullen added: “I would like to thank everyone in our Children’s Services for their truly exceptional hard work, dedication and kindness throughout this past year.”