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Kids in Hotels: UK Care System Fails Vulnerable
8 Sep
Summary
- A child lived in 11 hotels and two inhospitable houses for nearly a year.
- Companies were paid £250m over two years for illegal children's placements.
- Vulnerable teens are housed in unregistered care due to a failing market.
A concerning situation has emerged regarding England's children's care system, where a child, "Princess," was placed in 11 different Airbnbs or hotel rooms and two inadequate houses for nearly a year. Safeguarding reviews found these illegal placements were harmful, with the child continuing to self-harm and exhibit aggression. This practice of using unregistered provision is reportedly widespread across the country.
An investigation revealed that councils have paid £250 million over the past two years for these illegal care homes. This shadow market has grown because the mainstream, profit-driven care system is struggling to accommodate rising numbers of vulnerable teenagers. Registered homes are often unavailable or unsuitable, leading to significant funds being channeled into unregulated placements.
Peterborough city council, for example, paid over £1 million to companies staffing Princess's unregistered placements. Thornbury Nursing Services received £61,000 for staffing her specific placements, and a total of £3.8 million from four councils for other illegal placements between 2024 and 2025. CAMHS Professionals also received over £500 million. Both companies stated they supplied staff but did not operate the homes, with responsibility for accommodation resting with local authorities.
