CAMHS in Social Care service
Tower Hamlets Council is examining a significant increase in children needing care and rising costs within its social care system, which provides services like Child and Adolescent Mental Health support.
In November 2026, Tower Hamlets Council's Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee received a report noting a one-third increase in children in the council's care, reaching 307 by March 2026. This rise comes as the cost of caring for these children continues to climb, with residential placements averaging around £7,000 per week each.
This situation highlights the growing demands on the social care system, which includes providing Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) support for young people. The figures were presented as part of the draft Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report for 2025/26.
Key facts
- By March 2026, 307 children were in the care of Tower Hamlets Council, a one-third increase in 12 months. Source
- The cost of caring for children in Tower Hamlets is climbing. Source
- 32 children in Tower Hamlets residential homes cost an average of around £7,000 a week each. Source
- These figures were presented to the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee in November 2026. 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 10 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.