Bedford Borough Council maintains “it doesn’t happen here”, but questions on child homelessness remain unanswered.
The Borough Council has failed to respond to questions about how it supports homeless 16- and 17-year-olds, more than three months after they were submitted.
The questions, sent on 2 January 2025, sought clarification on the council’s processes following the release of “The Door is Still Closed”, a national report by the children’s charity Coram Voice.
The report found local authorities across England were routinely failing in their legal duties to children facing homelessness, denying them care, failing to explain their rights, and placing some in unsafe accommodation.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) asked the council to explain how it ensures:
- Children are accommodated under the correct legislation.
- Mental health support is provided, especially to those at risk of self-harm.
- Early intervention supports families and prevents homelessness.
- Young people are made aware of their rights and can access independent advocacy.
- And what local data is collected to track and improve services?
To date, the council has not provided a response, despite being chased on numerous occasions.
Just five days after the questions were submitted, on 6 January, the Coram Voice report was referred to during a Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.
Green cllr Paul Edmonds (Castle and Newnham) raised concerns over the “dark practice” of leaving vulnerable teens unsupported until they turn 18.
Jonathan Churchill, interim chief officer for children’s services, insisted such failings did not happen in Bedford.
“The vast majority of children that are 16 or 17 that present themselves will become accommodated,” he said.
He said children are either looked after under the Children Act or supported to live semi-independently with key worker support and a child-in-need plan.
But despite this assurance, the council has still not answered LDRS’s specific questions.
Linda Briheim-Crookall, head of policy and practice development at Coram Voice, said: “Coram continues to urge local authorities to ensure 16- and 17-year-old homeless children receive support through children’s services.
“Those who become looked after will qualify for vital care leaver support at 18, including life skills, education, training, employment, and housing assistance.
“Since these young people can choose whether to come into care they must be supported to make informed decisions.
“Local authorities should provide clear information on their options and access to independent advocacy, ensuring they understand their rights, have their voices heard, and receive the support they need”.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
