More Money for Housing Help for Care Leavers, Demand Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats are proposing an amendment to the Council's 2021/22 budget that includes £70,000 for housing help for children leaving care.

The Group want to see £50,000 allocated to set up a bond scheme for carers to help them get on the property ladder, and £20,000 to help care leavers with deposits on rented accommodation.

The amendment comes after a successful motion brought by the Liberal Democrats at January's Council, which called for the Cabinet to make sure looked after children and care leavers are given real opportunities to consider their housing options in detail, and ensure training and mentoring as they become increasingly independent.

Councillor Marie Bradburn, Chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel, said:

"Moving into your own place can be difficult, and the Council has a special responsibility for care leavers."

"As corporate parents to our looked after children, we owe it to them to give them the same help as many other parents would, and sometimes this includes financial help when they're ready to rent or buy their own home."

Councillor Jenni Ferrans, Chair of the Community and Housing Scrutiny Committee, said:

"We're keen to see the help that the Council provides to care leavers go even further. We want children leaving care to have every opportunity to thrive in the housing situation that suits them best, including renting or buying."