County Durham children placed in unregulated homes, PCC warns

Summarised from The Northern Echo's report · Updated 5 Nov, 22:50 · Archive

Vulnerable children in County Durham are being placed in unregulated accommodation including Airbnb properties, a police and crime commissioner has warned.

The Northern Echo reports that vulnerable children in County Durham are being placed in unregulated accommodation, including Airbnb properties and other rented homes run by providers from outside the area. Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has warned that such arrangements put children at risk of exploitation and abuse.

Ms Allen said she sees 'first-hand the devastating consequences when vulnerable children are not adequately safeguarded', which can lead to 'exploitation, abuse and lifelong trauma'. She has raised concerns with Government ministers, Ofsted, the Children's Commissioner, councils and MPs, calling for stronger checks on accommodation and staff, greater powers for Ofsted to investigate and close illegal homes, and more foster carers and regulated children's homes.

Darlington Borough Council said the safety of children in its care was of 'utmost importance' and that placement decisions are made following careful assessment and kept under regular review. The council acknowledged facing a national shortage of suitable placements.

Read the report

• County Durham children put 'at risk' as some placed in Airbnbs and unregulated homesA warning has been issued by PCC Joy Allen over unregulated children’s homes in County Durham amid concerns over exploitation and abuse.The Northern Echo · 5 Nov, 17:30

In this story: Joy Allen · County Durham · Darlington Borough Council · Ofsted

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log