Plans have been floated for a secure children’s home that could be used by councils across London.

A national shortage of secure children’s homes means some of the capital’s most vulnerable youngsters have been placed in homes as far away as Scotland.

Figures earlier this year showed the number of children in England waiting for a place in a secure children’s home had doubled in 12 months, underlining the urgent need to tackle the severe lack of provision for some of the most vulnerable young people in the country.

It has been estimated that the capital has a shortfall of at least 225 places, driving up costs and leading to overspends of more than £100m.

Barnet LBC’s executive director for children’s services, Chris Munday, said: ‘There is a shortage of secure children’s provision across the country but the situation is particularly stark in London as there are currently no secure children’s homes in the capital.

‘Boroughs are keenly aware that improved access to appropriate facilities will lead to better outcomes to the extremely vulnerable children and young people they are working with.’

The Department for Education has committed £3m to develop the scheme, with a further £50m expected from Whitehall if it goes ahead.

Each London council has been asked to contribute £20,000 a year to run a not-for-profit company owned by the boroughs that would develop and oversee the running of a children’s home.

This article was originally published by The MJ (£).