Principal Housing Care under scrutiny

Worcestershire Council has launched an investigation into a housing provider for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children after Sandwell Council stopped using its services and warned other councils to do the same.

Sandwell wrote to all councils in England in February alleging Principal Housing Care was providing accommodation that was sub-standard.

Sandwell’s letter prompted Worcestershire, which places 14 unaccompanied minors in the company’s housing, to launch its own investigation

“We have been told all the staff have been CRB checked. We have launched our own investigation and are asking for evidence,” a spokesperson said.

Northamptonshire Council, which also places children with Principal Housing Care, said that it had investigated the quality of provision following Sandwell’s letter and had had been satisfied by its quality.

Leicestershire Council, which places two children with the provider, also said it was satisfied with the placements.

Principal Housing Care was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.