TAXPAYERS have forked out more than £26 million on children in care over the last year - with council chiefs dealing with nearly 700 crisis-hit young people.

Your Worcester News can reveal how the number of looked-after children has increased six per cent over the last year, with an extra £5 million needing to be pumped in by Worcestershire County Council.

The latest figure on the number of looked-after children stands at 690, compared to 531 in 2009.

Exactly one year ago it was 651, with a new report on the budget calling it "the most significant area of financial risk" the authority faces.

The Conservative leadership at County Hall is keeping a watch over the spending on a weekly basis to try and stabilise it.

An action plan was launched last year to try and tackle it, which bosses say has reduced the potential 2014/15 overspend by £4.3 million.

The forecast for the full year is an overspend of £5.2 million, with the council reluctant to target it for serious cuts due to the demands being placed upon it.

A spokesman said: "Safeguarding and supporting our looked after children is one of the council's highest priorities.

"During 2014/15 children's services has successfully delivered an action plan relating to the £26.5 million placements budget which has reduced the potential overspend by £4.3 million.

"And £1.5 million has also been put in to a 'transformation' reserve which is being used to support a range of time-limited activities designed to address the financial pressures.

"These include increasing the number of Worcestershire foster carers and developing a range of support services to allow children to remain with or close to their families of origin."

It was also mentioned during a cabinet meeting at County Hall today, where Councillor Liz Eyre, the cabinet member for children and families, said early intervention was the key.

"I really do believe in putting more money upfront because by doing that it can make a difference," she said.

As your Worcester News revealed last year, experts believe the number of children in care across Worcestershire could top 985 by 2022 if the current trends carry on.