Prince George's enrolment at Eton College, with fees of £1,900 per week, has sparked a debate about the cost of care for vulnerable children. Conservative councillor and Express columnist Mieka Smiles argues that the eye-watering sums spent on private children's homes—up to £63,000 per week for complex needs—constitute a national scandal.
Eton Fees Pale in Comparison to Children's Home Costs
While Eton's fees are steep, the average cost of a children's home placement in England is £6,100 per week, more than three times the cost of educating Prince George. During her tenure as Deputy Mayor in Middlesbrough, Smiles recalls being quoted £33,000 for a single week's placement for one child. She describes this as a statistic that never leaves her and highlights the staggering sums councils are forced to spend.
The problem is not spending on vulnerable children, who deserve the best care, but the fact that £3.1bn per year is being spent with outcomes that fall short of what those children deserve. An investigation by the Financial Times described the sector as a “gold rush attracting plumbers, hairdressers and Airbnb landlords with no experience in care.”
Private Equity Profits Siphon Council Budgets
Housing Secretary Steve Reed acknowledged the issue last week, stating that too much of council budgets “is being siphoned off” by private equity firms and corporate investors. However, Smiles cautions that capping profits, while sensible, could reduce capacity and push costs higher. She advocates for more local authority-run children's homes, more foster carers, and early intervention to prevent families from reaching crisis points.
Despite years of awareness, the question remains why vulnerable children and taxpayers continue to pay the price while solutions are still being discussed.
Happiness Survey Reveals Simple Joys
In other news, a survey by Nationwide suggests that the secret to happiness is simpler than major life events like weddings or promotions. The top happiness booster was a good night's sleep, followed by receiving extra cash, laughing with friends, and fresh bed sheets. A good gym session and a full roast lunch also ranked highly.
Young People Defy Stereotypes
Smiles also reflects on a positive encounter with two young women at a London event—one a PhD student, the other a travelling musician—who were bright, ambitious, and polite. She argues that such examples show that criticism of the younger generation is largely unfounded.
