EXTRA money has been provided for adult social care services run by Worcestershire County Council.

Simon Geraghty, council leader and cabinet member for finance, said the council had already found more money for the services at the council’s cabinet meeting yesterday.

The increase of £7.8 million already in the budget for adult social care would be funded by a special ringfenced three per cent increase in County Hall’s council tax precept.

A further 1.94 per cent increase would be used for the rest of its work, including a £10.5 million increase in the children’s services budget.

Cllr Geraghty said: “We do have to ask the public to pay a little more, but it’s mainly for an increase in adult social care.”

That increase, it was announced yesterday, was enhanced by a further £1.5m provided by central government for those services.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, who is responsible for the social care services, said: “The key thing is that the government has really listened to the approach we made to it on this.

"Several of the county’s MPs have been very helpful in getting more money for adult social care, and this money will be very helpful in balancing the budget.”

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: “I am pleased to see more investment in adult social care which is a crucial priority.

"Whilst I am always keen to see council tax increases kept to a minimum I do support the County Council in ensuring that more is invested in children’s care and

adult social care and I am glad that this settlement supports them in these vital priorities.”

Having been approved by the council’s cabinet the draft budget will be decided on by the full council on Thursday, February 15 at 10am.