children in care
Councils are currently addressing rising numbers and costs of children in care, while developing strategies to ensure sufficient local placements and tackle inequalities.
In November 2026, Tower Hamlets Council's Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee noted a one-third rise in children in care to 307 by March 2026, with residential placements costing around £7,000 per child weekly. Separately, Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a new strategy in November 2026 to ensure sufficient local placements for its 452 children in care, aiming to tackle inequalities including the representation of Black children.
Councils have also been reviewing provision for children in care, who are young people looked after by the local authority. In September 2026, Hounslow Council's Cabinet approved a new residential project for looked-after children. That month, Haringey's Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee discussed children in care within the youth justice system, while Croydon's Corporate Parenting Board reviewed performance and housing for care leavers.
Key facts
- By March 2026, Tower Hamlets Council was looking after 307 children in care, a one-third rise in 12 months. Source
- Residential homes for children in care in Tower Hamlets cost an average of £7,000 a week each in November 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved the Lewisham Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2029 on 4 November 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council currently has 452 children in its care. 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.