COUNCIL bosses could snap up properties outside the city to convert them into children's homes.

Some £2.3m was earmarked for three homes back in 2020 just days before the first Covid lockdown.

But since then the council has struggled to find properties at the right price in Southampton.

Officers have assessed more than 100 properties and inspected 31 as of June this year. They are looking for family home-sized properties.

The team behind the project has now said it would have more luck if it could widen the search to neighbouring areas - including Rownhams, West End and Hedge End.

A home in Rownhams has already been identified. It would be the first home run by the council.

The Labour administration's cabinet is set to meet next month to approve or refuse the proposal on spending cash out of area.

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Councillor Darren Paffey, Deputy Leader, said: "It is very important to us in Southampton City Council that the children in our care live in the city, or as close to the city, as possible.

"We are always looking for new local foster carers who can provide a caring home for a Southampton child, sometimes this is needed just for a few days.

"Many local authorities also have council-run children's homes: we don't currently.

"So, we are trying to identify a suitable site in or near the city where we can build or develop a family-sized children's home.

"We want our children to receive good quality care near to their friends, family and other networks that are important to them.”

The city council has nearly 500 children in its care, according to a recent report.

The £2.3m was due to fund five two-bed children's homes and a four-bed crisis intervention centre.

But the plan has now changed to two four-bed homes, with the crisis centre remaining unchanged.

A report due before cabinet said: "This is due to the staffing costs per child of a two bedded children’s home making them uneconomic, whereas a four bedded children’s home has the potential to deliver revenue cost savings to the council."

It added said: "From a reputational perspective, it is recognised that not all residents may necessarily be comfortable with a children’s home opening their street/area and it could be perceived or alleged that, in widening the area being looked at, the council is seeking to transfer this potential problem out of the city (and not therefore impact on Southampton City Council residents).

"The project team are very aware of the possibility/likelihood of neighbourhood concern and plan to mitigate this as much as possible by a programme of open and honest communication with residents, local councillors, and other interested parties. However, it is not a risk that can be fully mitigated and must be accepted as such."