Plan for new children's homes hits a problem

COUNCIL HAS SO FAR FAILED TO ACQUIRE ANY PROPERTIES

- By ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

PLYMOUTH City Council is finding it challenging to acquire properties to use as children's homes, despite putting in offers. This is the issue currently holding back a £2 million plan to develop more in-house residential care.

The authority wants to open two children's homes to add to its current one at Downham House, Plymstock, which provides short breaks for children with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.

Speaking at a recent cabinet meeting, service director for children's services David Haley said offers had been made on properties but they had not come to a successful conclusion.

"We are finding it challenging but are continuing to look and we hope to report soon that we have bought our first couple of houses," he said.