The Officer Key Decision meeting scheduled for Tuesday 22 September 2026 is set to consider proposals for the development of new residential homes for children with complex mental health needs. This meeting will focus on the refurbishment of two existing council properties to create these much-needed facilities.

Support for Children with Complex Mental Health Needs - Proposal for New Residential Homes

A significant item on the agenda is the proposal for the development of two new children's homes in Newham to support children with complex mental health needs. The report pack indicates that the Council currently lacks sufficient local provision for young people with multiple and complex needs, including those at risk of self-harm and those subject to deprivation of liberty orders. To address this, the Council has secured a grant of £1.680m from the Department for Education, which will cover approximately 45% of the refurbishment costs for two properties.

The plan involves refurbishing Property 1, a five-bedroom building previously used for supported accommodation, and Property 2, a two-storey building that was formerly a day centre for older people. The Council intends to operate these homes itself, registering them with Ofsted. The report outlines that the refurbishment of Property 1 is estimated to cost £1.813m, with works anticipated to commence in January 2027 and be completed by June 2027, aiming for operational status by June 2028. For Property 2, refurbishment costs are estimated at £1.900m, with works expected to start in February 2027 and finish by October 2027, with an operational date anticipated by October 2028.

The project aligns with the Council's commitment to care experience as a protected characteristic and forms part of the Newham Living strategy. The report highlights that the Council currently relies on the market for residential provision, with significant expenditure in the financial years 2024/25 and 2025-26. The proposed in-house homes are intended to offer bespoke, high-quality residential care with local wrap-around support, aiming to improve stability and continuity of care for children. The Council will contribute £2.032m from its existing capital allocation to Children's Services.

The report also details the legal and financial implications, including the Council's duty under section 22G of the Children Act 1989 to secure sufficient accommodation for children in care. It notes that an equality impact assessment has been completed, identifying positive impacts for children with complex needs, regardless of their ethnic background. The development is also guided by the principles of Newham's Just Transition Plan to support net-zero goals.

The decision maker for this item is Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children and Young People (DCS), in consultation with Councillor Lakmini Shah, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Community Services. The report indicates that the decision has been delegated by Cabinet, with a previous decision made by Cabinet on 16th June 2026.