THERE is 'no extra money' to help a charity which supports young carers across Oxfordshire.

Figures show there could be about 10,000 young carers across Oxfordshire and a cross-party group of three councillors had urged funds be provided to Didcot-based Be Free Young Carers.

That charity was almost forced to close in June because of a lack of funding and the panel asked the county council's cabinet to investigate whether it could give it money.

But a report that will be seen by cabinet members next week states: "Currently there is a well-developed in-house service for young carers funded from core budget.

"At this time Children, Education and Families has no extra money with which to commission a young carers service."

That seems to stray from the recommendation that the cabinet 'explores ways of funding the unique support to young carers provided by Be Free Young Carers'.

But council bosses have said they are supportive of identifying a young carers councillor champion to help councillors understand young carers' needs and to promote and support them.

Currently the council has a cycling champion, Suzanne Bartington, and its military champion is its leader, Ian Hudspeth.

The cabinet will look at officers' recommendations at a meeting next Tuesday.