Laura Sharman 07 January 2016

Figures show vulnerable children being held overnight in police cells

More than 100 children a week are being held overnight in police cells due to a lack of suitable council accommodation, new figures have revealed.

The figures from the Metropolitan police show that over a period of six months, more than 3,000 under-18s were held in cells overnight in London alone.

The law states that local authorities should provide children with temporary accommodation if there is no appropriate adult to collect them from custody. However, a shortage of temporary placements means that many are being left in police cells overnight or at weekends.

The figures were obtained by Labour London assembly member, Andrew Dismore. He said: ‘The police tell me that a combination of budget cuts and housing shortages are having a devastating impact on councils’ ability to place young people and prevent them spending the night in a police cell.

‘It cannot be right that young people, many arrested on relatively minor offences, end up forced to spend the night in a cell just because the Government won’t give councils the resources they need to provide safe alternative accommodation.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner