Lancashire's council-run children's homes could double

There are concerns children in care are being placed far away from their local communities

The number of children's homes run by Lancashire County Council looks set to double if plans are approved by councillors later this week.

The authority claims it will improve the lives of young people in its care and reduce its reliance on costly private placements.

Fifteen new facilities would be created, leading to a total of 30.

However, council documents state it could be "challenging" to ensure all homes are rated as good or outstanding.

Councillors have previously raised concerns about children from Lancashire being looked after elsewhere due to a lack of local placements.

While the county has more children's homes across the private and public sector than any other local authority in England, 70% of the private agency facilities are not providing homes for Lancashire children, a council report said.

'Right home, right place'

The existing 15 homes run by the county council are typically larger facilities designed for young people with lower-level needs, which means the authority often turns to private providers.

According to the plan, there will be an extra 40 beds to the 60 already available in existing homes run by the council.

The Conservative-led authority said the change would make it easier to secure "the right home in the right place and [at] the right time", and provide greater stability.

However, the report acknowledged the risk of "concerns from residents about the location and operation of homes in their area".

'Complex needs'

The plan comes against the backdrop of the rising cost of beds in privately-run children's homes - especially for those with the most complex needs.

About 15% of children in the council's care live in so-called "agency" homes, yet they account for almost half of the placements budget.

A recent council report indicated that savings due to a reduction of the number of children in the care system in Lancashire - some of whom are in foster care - was being swallowed up by an increase in youngsters with "extremely complex needs" who require a suitable children's home placement.

More than 80 children are living in homes categorised as high cost, which generates weekly bills of at least £6,000.

The authority estimates the annual bill for its in-house facilities will be £15.1m from 2027/28 - a saving of about £2.1m on agency placements.

"Lancashire's in-house service has a good track record of successful integration within communities and of operating good or outstanding homes, but it will be challenging to ensure that all homes are rated as such at any point in time," the report added.