LONDON, April 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
On Monday30March,Adam Stephens of S&W Partners LLP,theInterim ManageratWilliam Blake House Northants, issued an application totheHigh Courtto place the charity into administration.
Today (1 April 2026), Adam Stephens and Christopher Allen of S&W Partners LLP have been appointed as joint administrators of the charity.
William Blake House Northants,which is based in Towcester, Northamptonshire, was set up to provide residential care,supportand activities for young adults with learning disabilities.
The Interim Manager was appointed by theCharity Commissionon 16 March,soon after itopeneda statutory inquiryto investigatefinancial and governance concernsatthe charity.Following a financial assessment, the Interim Managerdeterminedthat it was necessary to place the charity into administration.
While in administration, William Blake House Northants will seek to continue tooperate,with the legal process enabling the orderly management of the charity's financial affairs as much as is reasonably practicable.
The joint administratorswill continue to manage the charity through the administration process. Theywill explore alternative care optionsfor residents,and will be liaising with affected families, West Northamptonshire Council and the Care Quality Commission.
TheCharity Commission's inquiry will continue to examine the charity'sfinancial managementand governance to understand the events and decisions that led to the charity's serious financial challenges.
A report will be published once the inquiry has concluded, setting out the inquiry's findings and conclusions, as well as any regulatory action taken.
Amy Spiller, Head of Investigationsat the Charity Commission,said:
We know it is a difficultand uncertaintime for those receiving care at William Blake House.
The administrationprocess provides a breathing space forthe charity to continue its valuable service while financialrestructuring is explored.
Continuity of care is a priority,andefforts are being madeby all involvedto minimise disruptionas much as possible.We aremonitoringevents closely as part of our ongoing inquiry.
Ends
Notes to Editors
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The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
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More information on the scope of the inquiry into William Blake House Northants can be found in the announcement press release: Regulator launches a statutory inquiry into William Blake House Northants - GOV.UK
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On 16 March 2026, the inquiry exercised the Commission's power to appoint an Interim Manager by Order under section 76(3)(g) ofthe Charities Act 2011 to the exclusion of any trustees.
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The Interim Managerhas now beendischargedfrom that rolebuthas been appointed asthe Insolvency Practitioneroverseeing the administration. More information on what happens when an organisation enters administration can be found here:Liquidation and insolvency - GOV.UK
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The Commission's guidance for charities at risk of insolvency can be found here:What to do if your charitable company or CIO is insolvent or at risk of insolvency - GOV.UK
Press officecontact details
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