MASSIVE increases in the number of "looked after" children in Salford are putting enormous pressure on the social services budget.

This is coupled with the high number of people needing residential home care.

Figures drawn up by the Government show that the council needs to investigate urgently with the NHS into why Salford is supporting more older people in residential care and nursing homes than most other local authorities.

Other areas highlighted where more work is needed include the number of adoptions of children looked after, the costs of intensive social care for adults and older people, and the costs of services for children looked after.

However, the performance indicators released by the Department of Health also reveal a high level of service provided by Salford Council to many of the city's most vulnerable people. Services classed as very good by the Health Department include the review of child protection cases, the inspections of children's homes and residential homes for adults and older people, and helping adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems to live at home, and helping older people remain at home.