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Story perspectives

800 Council Placements in Illegal Homes Abuse Teens, £2 M Cost

5/21/2026

34 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Investigations have revealed that teenagers were trafficked and abused in illegal children’s homes.
The Public Accounts Committee reported that English councils placed children in unregistered homes in about 800 cases, breaching the 2021 ban.
Councils say a shortage of specialist provision for children with complex needs forces them to use illegal homes that can cost up to £2 million per child per year, creating a substantial taxpayer burden.

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Story summary

Investigations have revealed that teenagers were trafficked and abused in illegal children’s homes.
The Public Accounts Committee reported that English councils placed children in unregistered homes in about 800 cases, breaching the 2021 ban.
Councils say a shortage of specialist provision for children with complex needs forces them to use illegal homes that can cost up to £2 million per child per year, creating a substantial taxpayer burden.