Cheshire East struggling with placements after reduced housing costs increasing demand

Cheshire East is facing soaring costs to pay for its children in residential care because London boroughs are placing their young people in the North West where housing is cheaper.

At a meeting of the children's overview and scrutiny committee, Cllr Martin Edwards asked why other local authorities seemed to have places available to accommodate their cared for children when Cheshire East struggled.

Dawn Godfrey, executive director of children's services, said: "In terms of residential care… the North West, as a region, is a net importer of children from across the country, and… a massive importer from London due to cheap housing..