Care provider's services to transfer amid inquiry

Care services provided by a charity which is the subject of a financial inquiry will be transferred to a new provider.

Camphill Milton Keynes Communities, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, said it had exchanged contracts with Northamptonshire-based William Blake House, which is under investigation.

In February, the Charity Commission opened a "regulatory compliance" case into William Blake House due to "serious concerns around possible financial mismanagement", and in March it announced a statutory inquiry.

Camphill Milton Keynes Communities said it would take on the service "in its entirety", subject to regulatory approvals.

In a statement, it confirmed it would take on William Blake House's residents and staff to "ensure continuity of care and daily life", with "no interruption to residents' support, routines or living arrangements".

It said that the transfer was expected to complete "within the next couple of months".

Tim Davies, Camphill Milton Keynes Communities chief executive, said: "This transition is about protecting people's homes, relationships and sense of security.

"Everyone at William Blake House deserves to feel safe, supported and valued, and our priority from day one is to provide that with care, dignity and compassion."

Camphill Milton Keynes Communities added that "all current staff are being transferred as part of the transition and will continue their work in Northamptonshire, supporting residents they know well".

The announcement comes a week after inquiries were also opened into two other Northamptonshire-based charities that shared trustees with William Blake House, based in Blakesley.

William Blake House has been approached for comment.

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