I am proud to confirm that, through my efforts and collaboration with local children’s services leaders, Leicester has secured its share of the £53 million government capital fund, dedicated to establishing 200 new council-run specialist placements for children with complex needs who are at risk of being deprived of their liberty. This funding marks a milestone effort to tackle a critical care shortage—and ensures more children in Leicester East can grow and thrive in a safe, supportive environment.
Tackling a National Crisis, Delivering Local Solutions
- This is the first time government funding has targeted children with the highest level of emotional and behavioural needs - those in deprived-of-liberty (DoL) placements, ensuring access to high-quality, registered care homes local to their communities.
- Currently, many children with complex needs are placed in unregistered, expensive, or distant settings, costing councils around £440 million annually, while failing to meet their therapeutic and safety requirements.
From Shivani Raja MP
“I’m determined to see Leicester East deliver safer, local specialist placements. Securing this match funding means more children in our community can receive the care they need-close to family and with dignity.”
Shivani Raja MP
Leicester’s Local Action Plan
- Guided by my leadership, Leicester City Council is preparing to maximise its share of this £53 million funding to support up to 200 placements across England.
- The funding is intended to create local, council-run placements - avoiding the pitfalls of unregistered provision and aligning with Children’s Commissioner and High Court concerns over the “silent crisis” in DoL care.
- This stands alongside a broader commitment in the Spending Review - £560 million capital investment to expand children’s homes and foster placements as part of social care transformation.
Why It Matters for Leicester East
- Local, secure care: Specialist homes designed to support trauma-related and mental health needs, close to families and schools.
- Better value for money: Reducing reliance on expensive commercial placements, while meeting statutory requirements.
- Improved outcomes for children: Designed with integrated therapeutic support, education access, and consistent staff, so children - and families -get stability and hope.
Next Steps
- Work with Leicester City Council and local providers to ensure our share of placements is delivered swiftly and effectively.
- Monitor progress and campaign for transparency—including details about when placements become operational and the quality of provision.
- Support prevention and early help, through initiatives like family hubs, to reduce the need for restrictive placements where possible.
Want to Know More or Subscribe?
If you're a parent of a child with complex needs, part of local care provision, or community-focused charity leader - please get in touch. My office is ready to support anyone navigating these new care provisions in Leicester East.
This is a vital step forward for social care. I will work tirelessly to ensure Leicester East leads the charge on safer, local, specialist care for our most vulnerable children.
