Over half a million pounds of tax payers money has already been spent on housing as many as five children in unregulated accommodation, according to a freedom of information request....
13th Jan 2025
A Freedom of Information (FOI) response has revealed troubling insights into Hartlepool Borough Council's use of unregulated accommodation for Looked-After Children under the age of 16.
The issue not only raises concerns about the welfare of some of the most vulnerable young people in our community but also highlights the significant financial burden being placed on local taxpayers.
Unregulated Accommodation: What Does It Mean?
Hartlepool Borough Council refers to unregulated accommodation where children under the care of the local council are housed but which are not registered with Ofsted.
These can include a wide range of settings such as:
Boats
Caravans
Tents
Short-term rentals via platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com
Hotels
Residential homes awaiting Ofsted registration
Properties owned by the council
Whilst these accommodations may serve as temporary solutions, they're said to be controversial due to their lack of oversight, raising questions about safety, suitability, and the quality of care provided.
The Numbers: Cloaked in Secrecy
When Hartlepool Borough Council was reportedly asked about how many children under the age of 16 are currently living in such accommodations, the council declined to provide a precise figure, citing privacy concerns. They merely stated the number is "5 or less," suppressing the exact figure under Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act, which protects against the disclosure of information that the council claims could lead to individuals being identified.
This lack of transparency by the local council is said to raise important questions: How often is unregulated accommodation being used? Are there systems in place to monitor these settings adequately? And most importantly, are the children in those accommodation settings safe?
The Cost: Over Half a Million Pounds
The financial cost of housing children in unregulated accommodation is staggering. Between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, Hartlepool Borough Council spent £507,095 on staffing and property costs to support Looked-After Children in these settings.
This amount highlights the strain on the council's budget & explains as to why the councils Children's Services recently reported they'd racked up departmental overspending of almost £6.0 million pounds, The expenditure is said to underscore a deeper issue as to why is the council is seemingly relying on such accommodations in the first place & whether this money could be better spent on creating or securing Ofsted-registered placements?
Implications for Vulnerable Children
The use of unregulated accommodation has been widely criticised by child welfare advocates. Without Ofsted oversight, its claimed there's little assurance that these placements meet the necessary standards to protect children and provide a stable environment.
For children already dealing with the trauma of being separated from their families, being placed in unregulated settings can exacerbate feelings of instability and neglect. Moreover, it raises serious questions about the council's duty of care and its commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for Looked-After Children.
The reliance on unregulated accommodation is not unique to Hartlepool; however, it is said to be particularly concerning given the council's history of alleged financial struggles and governance issues. Hartlepool Borough Council’s most recent efforts to reduce dependence on external placements has reportedly led to substantial borrowing being taken out to purchase properties around the town which are intended to be used as council-regulated children's homes in a bid to cut long-term costs.
Whilst this approach aims to improve the burden to the local taxpayer, it has already sparked concerns about the immediate financial burden being placed on the local council, especially with borrowing rates at their highest in decades. Child welfare advocates argue that the welfare of vulnerable children should never be reduced to a matter of cost-saving or convenience, with the FOI response serving as a stark reminder of the significant challenges the council faces in fulfilling its responsibilities to Looked-After Children.