private market for residential children's care
Lewisham Council is reducing reliance on the private market for children's care by opening its first council-run home.
Lewisham Council is reducing its reliance on the private market for residential children's care, with Councillor Rotimi Skyers announcing the opening of the borough's first council-run children's home in September 2026. This initiative aims to keep vulnerable children closer to their support networks, moving away from private market placements that often locate young people far from families and friends. The council stated this move also seeks to prioritise public money for children's needs.
Key facts
- Lewisham opened its first council-run children's home in September 2026. Source
- Councillor Rotimi Skyers announced the new home on 23 September 2026. Source
- The investment aims to keep children closer to their support networks. Source
- The move aims to prioritise public money for children's needs. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.