OXON: Plans to build four new care homes for young people in Oxfordshire have been approved.

Last night the county council’s cabinet approved plans to spend £7m on the new homes, so the authority can double the number of children cared for in its own homes.

At the meeting, cabinet member for children Melinda Tilley said it was important the council ran its own homes.

She said: “I think we know what we’re doing and I would like to make sure that continues.”

No timetable has yet been set for the development of the homes.