Watchdog appoints interim boss to charity in debt

A government regulator has appointed an interim manager for a charity that supports vulnerable adults after it was served with a winding‑up notice.

The Charity Commission said Adam Stephens, of accountants S&W Partners Ltd, would oversee William Blake House, a residential care organisation for adults with severe learning difficulties.

The charity, in Blakesley, Northamptonshire, owed more than £1.5m to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as of June 2025, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Charity Commission.

It said Stephens, appointed on Monday, would take over the general administration and management of the charity and assess its viability to continue providing services.

Stephens will also represent the charity in negotiations with HMRC to resolve its debt.

The commission said its investigation, which began in February, would examine the charity's financial management, including late filing of accounts, potential unmanaged conflicts of interest and whether there had been any unauthorised personal benefit.

William Blake House runs four care homes for adults and its plight has been described by affected families as "the worst-case scenario".

A family with a relative in William Blake House told the BBC they welcomed the appointment of the interim manager.

West Northamptonshire Council, which commissions services from William Blake House and has a responsibility for vulnerable adults, has been contacted for comment.

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