Derby houses purchased to support looked after children

Published: 4 March 2021

The Council’s Cabinet is being asked to agree the purchase of two Derby properties that will be refurbished and used to support looked after children in the city.

The proposals are being put forward in a bid to improve the sufficiency and range of placements and improve outcomes for Derby’s future generations.

Nationally there is a shortage of suitable and local placements, says the report being presented to the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 10 March. The new homes will accommodate up to three young people, and will help to keep children living locally.

Eventually the young people will move on to a transition property, with tenancy sustainment support from Derby Homes and support from the Service, volunteers and other professionals to enable a successful transition into adulthood.

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, says:

Given the complex needs and behaviours of children requiring care, we’ve found that better outcomes are achieved for children when they are placed in smaller numbers.

Our role as corporate parent to these children is, and always will be, our main priority, and I would like to personally recognise the excellent joint working between housing and children’s services to make this possible.

The project will be funded using Right to Buy (RtB) receipts, which can be used by local authorities to fund the development of affordable housing, both new build and refurbishment of existing stock.

Properties will be used for an initial period of three years, and if the scheme runs as planned and is successful, it will be extended.

Children, Housing