Children leaving care housed in bed-and-breakfast and a public house

9.37.35am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 17th Jan 2005

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland has written to the Director of Social Services over her concerns about the living arrangements made for young people who have been looked after by the Council.

She said,

" I was astonished to find that young people leaving care who are very vulnerable are being put in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation. In one case this accommodation is part of a licensed premises. The proper, safe housing of children in the care of the local authority is key to fulfilling our responsibility as corporate parents.

Despite my concern, it is going to take until February for the full information to be given to members of the Council on the Corporate Parenting Committee.

I have asked for immediate information in advance of the report because I am very concerned about how these young people are being cared for."