Reform-led Kent County Council has urged the Government to tackle soaring costs tied to caring for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children after Ofsted downgraded its children’s services ratings.
The watchdog lowered the authority’s overall rating from outstanding to good, and its care leavers service from outstanding to requires improvement — sparking concern among local leaders that funding pressures are being overlooked.
Council officials say the inspectorate’s assessment does not reflect the 'unique circumstances' Kent is facing, with 12,000 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children entering care between 2015 and 2025, up from 4,000 in the previous decade.
Kent also hosts around 1,300 looked-after children placed by other councils, more than half from London, adding strain to schools and support services.
Council leader Linden Kemkaran called on ministers to provide fairer funding and faster asylum processing, warning that current pressures ‘go far beyond what any local authority can manage alone.’
‘We urgently need action - on funding, on regulation, and on placement practice - so that Kent residents, and the children who rely on us, receive the support they deserve,’ she added.
‘I have written to ministers yet again to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss a solution that is both fair and long term.’
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