Homes scrutiny

March 22, 2000 in Inspection and regulation, Looked after children, Residential care

Labour MP Ann Coffey is demanding the government come clean over
an unpublished Social Services Inspectorate report into small
children’s homes (News, 9-15 February).

Coffey, Labour MP for Stockport, wants an adjournment debate to
discuss the loop hole which allows homes with three or fewer
residents to avoid registration and inspection.

‘I want to challenge the minister on what we know is happening,’
said Coffey. ‘There is no guarantee they will even publish it, and
whatever is published will be watered down.

According to details passed to Community Care, the number of
small homes is growing. The SSI discovered 112 nationally.