Laura Mayes, who was the council's cabinet member for children’s services under the previous administration, said some care providers had the council "over a barrel." The council's Children's Select Committee was debating the cost to the taxpayer of children in care. The council had budgeted for care costs of £3,800 a week per child, but was facing bills of £6,200. - https://t.co/t7A1ayW7mR pic.twitter.com/Dk1fvaFm1K — Wiltshire Times (@wiltshiretimes) April 13, 2026Cllr Mayes said: "What has not been mentioned is the excessive profits made by some providers. "When councils are over a barrel and know that someone is making a profit from the situation, I find it immoral.”