Plan to bring Newport children closer to home
Posted on Thursday 21st June 2018
Newport City Council's cabinet has agreed a proposal for specialist homes for children with complex needs to be created within the city.
At the moment, the council has a number of "out-of-county" placements because there is nowhere suitable for these youngsters locally.
It has been agreed that an additional £1.5 million should be added to the 2018/19 capital budget to purchase up to three properties.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "This is a very welcome use of resources as is targeted at some of our most vulnerable children and their families. It is recognised that providing the right level of support to these youngsters at an early stage could turn their lives around.
"This proposal means we will be able to bring children back to Newport from homes that are potentially hundreds of miles away. Sometimes youngsters have to be housed outside the city in their own best interests but, wherever possible, it is better than they are looked after in their own city and close to their families."
Councillor Paul Cockeram, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "We have been trying to find a regional solution to this issue as it is one faced by a number of councils. However, while we will still be endeavouring to do that, this is an opportunity to develop something within the city.
"The council will be running these homes ourselves with our own staff and this will ensure these children get the right level of support to help them prepare for the future and adult life.
"I have wanted this for a long time and I'm extremely pleased that we will be able to fund the new homes and the associated revenue costs at a time of continuing austerity. However, we will continue to work on a regional project that could provide additional support and facilities for children in Newport and our neighbouring authorities."