The Council of Ministers says it isn’t possible for the DHSC to inspect accommodation for older children in care and care leavers.
Kerry Sharpe MLC’s report issued a stark warning about the state of accommodation for children in care, care leavers, and vulnerable young people,
In a recommendation in her report, Mrs Sharpe called on the DHSC to inspect all accommodation for older children in care; for young care leavers; and for older children, estranged from their parents, who, having presented as homeless, have been put into accommodation by St Christopher’s.
However, the government said that the responsibility should fall to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s Housing Enforcement Section.
No Vires
While oversight for private rental falling to the DEFA Housing Section, the government also confirmed that the DoI has “responsibility for the introduction of Regulations to bring the Landlord Registration (Private Housing) Act 2021 into force”.
However, while the Act was passed almost four years ago, this has still not happened.
Accepted
The government has agreed to some of Mrs Sharpe’s recommendations in principle including the need for a official channel through which the voices of young carers can be heard by Government and Tynwald on a regular basis and that it should work with St Christopher’s to improve conditions.
It also accepted fully a suggestion that DEC should should explore approaches for supporting children with complex needs, including the consideration of a government multi-agency complex needs nursery with specialist staff.
However, this is only due to report to Tynwald by the end of July 2026, the last sitting of this current administration.
You can read a full list of the responses to the recommendations from Mrs Sharpe here.
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