Derbyshire’s Children’s Homes Rise: Why the Surge in New Facilities?

Houses in Derbyshire are often now children’s homes. Private companies run these due to a lack of public options. This rise causes worry for local people and drives councils to see many applications to convert houses.

The increase resembles the “bedsit boom.” Similar concerns arose then about oversight. Councillors and residents generally support helping kids, with a government statement also backing this support.

In 2023, the government said planning shouldn’t hinder vulnerable children. This reasoning overturned some rejected homes. Though needed, the rise still raises concerns.

People want better placement and requirements set to avoid areas being badly affected. Problems include poor management of sensitive kids and oversaturation. Private homes usually have one to three kids, with two staff members typically caring for each child. The lack of government homes drives this.

Last month, the county council shared some data: 125 kids always await a placement. Currently, 136 children live in private facilities. The council spends £50 million yearly on these placements.

The council is legally responsible for 1,030 children, a number that grew by 40% since 2018. This cost equals one-third of the children’s services budget. Because of this, the council spent £7.5 million to buy and convert five houses.

These will become children’s homes for 16 kids. Derby saw rising placement costs last September when ten complex cases cost £5.35 million, resulting in public costs nearing £8 million total. Overall, placement costs rose in Derby since 2018.

They increased from £28 million to £57 million this year. A council leader said some homes overcharge. He claimed they profit from kids with complex needs. The county council said private homes are much costlier.

They average £6,744 weekly per child to use these firms, while the council’s cost is £3,642. Councillors say managing new homes is hard, especially in South Derbyshire planning meetings. Councillors cannot easily reject applications.

They lack policies to specify preferred requirements. The district looks to make rules for size, placement, and capacity. Traffic objections need backing from the highways department.

A house with few cars seems like a normal house, therefore, it’s hard to deem traffic inappropriate. Noise concerns need environmental health backing. A family home seems as loud as one to three children.

Thus, noise is rarely a valid reason to refuse an application. Ofsted oversees many other home requirements, including ensuring children’s safety. Amber Valley councillors feel powerless and after approving more homes, they asked where they get a say.