County considers opening own children's homes

Two councils will meet to discuss plans to convert buildings into purpose-built care homes

A county is looking to open its own children's homes to make savings on expensive private placements.

The Northamptonshire Children's Trust (NCT), which oversees services for West and North Northamptonshire Councils, is forecasting a multimillion-pound overspend this year.

The trust said finding placements for children in care was one of its biggest pressures.

The two councils will meet on Wednesday to discuss plans to convert two council-owned buildings in Brackley into purpose-built care homes.

It has been predicted the trust will have to spend an extra £32m over its £150m budget for 2023-24, with most of the excess costs attributed to expensive placements and high demand.

According to the Children’s Trust Joint Committee, the first children’s home could amount to savings of between £90,000 and £420,000 annually.

The second home, which has been specifically identified to support a young person with complex needs, could generate annual savings of £170,000 to £335,000.

Each of the Brackley-based properties would provide care for up to two children and be managed by Homes 2 Inspire, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A committee report said: "Placement costs and the demand for homes for children in care is the single biggest challenge and financial risk to NCT and therefore the councils.

"Providing these homes more locally will ensure there is greater control over both finances and outcomes for children."