Families call for inquiry into residential care charity that ran up £1.6m debt

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Patrick Butler Social policy editorFebruary 2, 2026 at 06:00 AM

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Families are calling for an inquiry into William Blake House, a residential care charity in Northamptonshire facing potential closure due to £1.6 million in unpaid taxes. The charity, which provides specialized care for 22 adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs, is under scrutiny for its financial management, including over £1 million in payments to a company owned by one of its trustees. A judge has given the charity weeks to pay its debts to HMRC. The Charity Commission has opened a regulatory compliance case, and West Northamptonshire council is in discussions with the charity regarding governance and financial issues. Families express concern about the wellbeing of their vulnerable relatives and criticize the charity's lack of transparency regarding its financial difficulties.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

NHS 40% Northamptonshire 50% West Northamptonshire council 60% Charity Commission 70% HMRC 70% William Blake House ×590%

Keywords

residential care 90% charity debt 80% vulnerable adults 70% governance concerns 70% financial mismanagement 60% charity commission 50% autism 50% learning disabilities 50% winding up order 40% unpaid taxes 40%