Council plans £3.9 million care homes scheme

A North East local authority is set to invest in new housing provision to support young people in care amid rising demand for suitable accommodation.

Durham County Council is seeking approval for a £3.9 million investment to purchase 25 properties, which would provide supported homes for young people aged 16 and 17. 

The proposal will be considered by the council’s cabinet as part of efforts to address a shortage of appropriate placements across the county.

Demand for supported accommodation has increased significantly since the pandemic, creating challenges in securing high-quality, local options. 

The planned acquisitions aim to strengthen the council’s ability to meet its legal duty to provide sufficient and suitable homes for children in its care.

Alongside the property investment, councillors will also be asked to approve the creation of an in-house supported accommodation team. 

This service would be registered with Ofsted and provide tailored support to help young people live more independently, while ensuring consistent standards and oversight.

If approved, the homes are expected to be ready for occupancy from next summer, helping the authority respond to both current pressures and future demand.

Councillor Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We want every child in our care to have a safe, stable and welcoming place to live for as long as they need it.

“Our teams work tirelessly with providers across the county to ensure children are placed in appropriate, registered settings.

“However, demand continues to grow, and there is currently not enough registered accommodation available locally to meet all needs.

“Buying these houses would help us strengthen local provision, improve placement stability and fulfil our legal duty to ensure the right homes are available for young people when they need them.”

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