Administrators strike rescue deal for William Blake House

Adam Stephens and Chris Allen of S&W Partners, the joint administrators of William Blake House, have exchanged contracts to sell the charity’s residential and assisted living care services to Camphill Milton Keynes Communities, offering a path to preserve continuity of care for residents after the Northamptonshire operator entered administration following regulatory intervention and mounting financial pressure.

The deal, which remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, marks a significant development in the administration of William Blake House, a Northamptonshire-based charity that operates residential and supported living services for adults with learning disabilities. The charity entered administration on 1 April 2026 after a period of escalating scrutiny by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, which had begun examining concerns over financial management and governance in late 2025.

The regulator’s intervention intensified in early 2026, leading to Stephens’ appointment as interim manager and the opening of a statutory inquiry into the charity’s affairs. A review of the charity’s financial position and governance framework concluded that a formal insolvency process was required to safeguard residents and stabilise the organisation’s operations.

At the time of the administration, William Blake House was facing significant liabilities, including more than £1.5 million owed to HMRC. The administrators continued to trade the charity after their appointment, with a focus on maintaining care provision while exploring options for a transfer or restructuring of the services.

Camphill MK, a charity with more than 40 years’ experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, will acquire William Blake House’s residential and assisted living care services and certain assets. The buyer intends to continue delivering care services from the existing locations, a structure designed to minimize disruption for residents, families and staff.

The administrators said Camphill MK shares a common heritage and ethos with William Blake House, with a focus on community, independence, meaningful activity and person-centred care, and that the the transaction represents an important milestone in securing stability and continuity of care for residents, while providing reassurance to families and staff.

The sale does not include the Country Centre in Northampton or the land on which it sits, which are being marketed separately as part of the administration process.

The joint administrators were assisted by Nicholas Hughes and Lucy Edwards of Kingsley Napley.