Private children's homes attacked over 'scandal' of operators 'fleecing' town halls for cash
manchestereveningnews.co.ukTown hall chiefs have hit out at the private children’s homes operators ‘fleecing’ local authorities for cash, branding the situation a ‘scandal’ and a 'tragedy'.
The number of children in care in Stockport has risen significantly - from around 350 to 500 - largely due to the cost of living crisis and the fallout from the pandemic.
The council is currently £3m over its budget for ‘external’ childrens’ care placements - those not provided by the authority - including 75 youngsters in privately run homes and 47 in independent foster care.
The average weekly cost has doubled to around £4,000 over the last five years, while the most intensive packages - for high needs children - has ‘rocketed’ from £10,000 to £14,000 a council scrutiny committee heard this week.
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