Spending on social services rose six per cent last year

Net social services spending by councils in England increased by 6 per cent last year, according to provisional figures published today.

Councils spent £17.3bn on social services in 2005-6, up from £16.3bn in 2004-5, the Office for National Statistics said.

Social services accounted for 18 per cent of councils’ total revenue spending.

Education spending increased by 8 per cent to almost £36bn.