Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Not Addressed
Barriers and lack of incentives hinder the creation of children's homes matching children's needs.
Conclusion
Local authorities and private providers face barriers and lack incentives to open homes and create places matching children’s needs at the scale required.35 The Association of Directors of Children’s Services told us that the distribution of residential provision is based on where it is easy to open a home, often where prices are lower, rather than where the need is greatest.36 The Children’s Homes Association told us that the barriers included property prices, salaries and workforce issues, alongside difficulties getting planning permission.37 The Department told us that it is working with the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government to address barriers in the planning system so the system works in a way that reflects where new homes are needed.38
Government Response Summary
The response simply restates the committee's conclusion from a different section.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3. PAC conclusion: Providers of children’s homes, including local authorities, are not offering the places needed locally, leading to children being placed in homes that do not meet their needs.