Services for adults with learning disabilities run by a care charity that went into administration last month owing HMRC £1.5m have been taken over by a similar charity.

Camphill Milton Keynes Communities (Camphill MK) has announced it has exchanged contracts to take on the care and support services of William Blake House, which provides residential support for adults with learning disabilities in Northamptonshire.

The sale has been secured by William Blake House’s administrators Adam Stephens and Chris Allen of S&W Partners LLP, who have been maintaining care for residents at the charity since their appointment.

They say that Camphill MK “shares a common heritage and ethos” with William Blake House, that will provide “a strong cultural alignment that is anticipated to mean that there is a smooth transition for residents and staff”.

“This transaction represents an important milestone in securing stability and continuity of care for residents, while also providing reassurance to families and staff about the future of the service,” said Stephens.

Allen added: “This transaction also provides reassurance for employees, with the intention of safeguarding roles and enabling staff to continue supporting residents they know well within a stable organisation.

“We would like to thank staff, families, commissioners and regulators for their continued support and cooperation throughout this process, and we look forward to completing the transaction in the coming months.”

The charity hopes to complete the regulatory approval needed “within the next couple of months”.

“Camphill MK’s focus is on providing reassurance and stability for the residents, families and staff of William Blake House following a difficult and uncertain period earlier this year,” said the charity, which has been providing care for more than 40 years.

It points out that it is taking on William Blakes service “in its entirety including residents and staff, helping to ensure continuity of care and daily life”.

All staff will be transferred to Camphill MK and continue working in Northamptonshire.

“This transition is about protecting people’s homes, relationships and sense of security,” said Camphill MK chief executive Tim Davies

“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.”

Charity Commission involvement

A Charity Commission statutory inquiry into William Blake House launched in February, following a compliance case that opened last year.

Stephens was appointed by the regulator as the charity's interim manager in March.

Concerns focus on the financial management of the charity, including its HMRC debt as well as late filing of accounts to the Commission and possible unmanaged conflicts of interest.

Earlier this month the regulator announced that two other charities, Steiner Friends and The Shoosmith Gallery, that have links to William Blake House are also under investigation.

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