Council to ask for reassurance on West Lancashire Children's Care Homes

West Lancashire Borough Council has formally agreed a motion calling for greater transparency, oversight and national action on the growing use of unregulated children’s care settings, citing serious safeguarding concerns for vulnerable young people.

The motion brought before Council last night, follows national reports identifying around 680 unregulated or illegal children’s care settings across England and Wales, with hundreds of children living in placements that fall outside the regulatory framework of Ofsted.

While responsibility for children’s social care lies with Lancashire County Council, members highlighted that the location of placements within West Lancashire has direct implications for local communities, including safeguarding, community safety and pressure on local services.

Through the motion, West Lancashire Borough Council agreed to:

Formally request detailed information from Lancashire County Council on the number of unregulated or unregistered children’s care settings operating within the Borough, the number of children placed in them, and the safeguarding and monitoring arrangements in place.

Seek assurances that all children placed within West Lancashire are appropriately safeguarded and that any unregulated provision is subject to robust oversight.

Write to the Department for Education to express concern about the national rise in unregulated placements and to request clarity on steps being taken to reduce reliance on such provision.

Request a briefing for elected members on the local impact of unregulated children’s care settings, including emerging risks, trends and partnership arrangements.

Commit to reviewing the Council’s role, working alongside relevant agencies, in supporting safeguarding and community awareness where such settings are located within the Borough.

Paul Charlson, Assistant Director of Planning and Regulatory Services (Safeguarding Lead for West Lancashire Borough Council) said: "The prospect of unregulated children's care provision in West Lancashire is concerning.

"This decision by Council means we will be able to better understand the children's care landscape in West Lancashire and move towards ensuring the safety of children and young people."

The Council will now engage with Lancashire County Council and the Department for Education to seek reassurances and further information, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children remains a priority both locally and nationally.