Nearly 800 vulnerable children in England have been placed in illegal care homes, raising serious concerns about their safety and wellbeing, according to a report by MPs on the Public Accounts Committee.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the LGA’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: “With more children needing help with increasingly complex and challenging needs, what is most important is ensuring they get the best care and support. No council wants to place a child in an unregistered setting, and it is extremely concerning that, in many cases, a lack of choice means provision is not fully meeting children’s needs.
“The astronomical cost of care placements also means there is less money available for councils to spend on earlier support for children and families.
“It is vital that the entire sector works together to ensure that we have enough homes that can meet children’s needs. This includes central and local government, Ofsted, the NHS and providers in all sectors.”