COUNCILLORS have given their support to plans that will allow more young people in council care to remain in Bradford.

There are currently almost 900 young people in council care, with some living in residential homes.

Pressures on spaces in these homes mean some young people have to be placed outside the district, away from friends and family.

On Tuesday the council’s Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee were told of plans to buy 12 spaces that will be specifically for Bradford young people in a contract worth over £2 million.

They were told that by buying the places would save the authority money in the long term.

The places would be in Bradford, or within 20 miles of the district, and could be available in six months’ time.

Councillor Dale Smith, chair of the committee, said: “This will help deliver a better, more localised service for our children, and I welcome this.”

The committee supported the plans, and asked for an update in 12 months’ time to look at the impact of the new places.