CHILDREN'S care in Oxfordshire is forecast to overspend by £3m this year.

Oxfordshire County Council's chief finance officer reported the news to cabinet yesterday.

An overspend of about £2m is expected on placing youngsters into foster care and residential homes.

But a further overspend has been caused because the opening of three new children's homes in the county was delayed.

The new homes in Didcot, Thame and Witney were due to be open now, but were delayed after sub-contractor EIC went into administration last month.

The council said it will be seeking compensation from the main contractor for the delay.