A group of families, described as "accidental activists," have successfully secured the future of a care home for their children after uncovering serious management failures that brought the charity to the brink of bankruptcy. William Blake House in Northamptonshire, a residential care home for 22 adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex care needs, was found to owe £1.5 million in unpaid taxes and had paid its former chair £1 million in fees.
Campaign Leads to Charity Commission Inquiry
The families launched a campaign after discovering these financial irregularities, prompting a rare Charity Commission inquiry. Their efforts helped underpin a detailed rescue plan and outflanked potential takeover bids from private sector rivals. Administrators confirmed that the services will now be run by Camphill MK Communities, a learning disability residential care charity that shares a common care ethos with William Blake House and has the families' backing.
Families Express Relief
"We are overjoyed and so relieved to have learned today that this lovely charity is going to take over the care of our vulnerable children and provide them with a home for life," the families said in a statement. The administrators noted that, pending regulatory approval, the move represents "a significant and positive step forward in securing a stable future for the residents, staff, and wider community connected to William Blake House."
Background of the Care Home
Funded mainly by local authorities, William Blake House provides round-the-clock support for its residents, many of whom are non-verbal. The families expressed gratitude for their determined efforts: "Our months of determined effort to find out the truth, to confront the authorities, and to be heard have finally paid off. Now that we have Camphill with their integrity and expertise, we can sleep at night."
Commitment to Quality Care
Tim Davies, chief executive of Camphill MK, said: "This is about more than organisational change. It is a long-term commitment to people, to community, and to the belief that people with learning disabilities deserve lives filled with meaning, security, friendship, and belonging."
Broader Context of Care Sector Crisis
The families' victory is a rare good news story from a care sector in crisis, facing shrinking care fees, staff shortages, and rising wage costs. Several learning disability care providers have shut, merged, or cut back services in the past 18 months. The story echoes historical efforts by families in the 1960s and 1970s who set up charities appalled by state institutions' dismal services.
Political Support
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who highlighted the campaign in the Commons in March, praised the families: "As the father of a disabled son, the situation they have been put through is one of my worst nightmares, and I commend their courage in fighting for their loved ones to get the best possible care."
Timeline of Events
The saga began in autumn when a handful of families realised serious failings in management, finances, and governance threatened the charity's future. They spent thousands of hours piecing together complex finances, interviewing former trustees, and pleading with regulators. In February, the Charity Commission opened an inquiry into alleged unauthorised personal benefit. In March, the commission appointed an interim manager, taking over the charity's running. The families lobbied to prevent winding up and awaited the takeover by Camphill MK.
