Council increases its special financial support for care leavers

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Increased financial support has been announced by the council for care leavers next year.

North Lincolnshire Council already provide educational financial support to care experienced young people aged 16 and over. Its cabinet has now agreed to up its offer, partly to reflect increased costs for young people.

All care leavers will be offered passes to North Lincolnshire leisure facilities. The council will be willing to cover up to ten driving lessons with a recognised driving instructor, or up to £350. It would also meet the costs of two theory tests.

Care leavers taking apprenticeships or other training opportunities will also be eligible to up to £200 for education equipment costs, up from £100. The biggest change is to increase its education bursary by a £1,000, to £3,000 over a three-year course.

“It’s something that we are very passionate about making sure that our care-leavers are not disadvantaged,” said Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families – children.

On the increased education bursary, she added, “One of the things why we need to do that is based on the number of people going into higher education settings.” There were growing numbers of care leavers doing so, which she called an “outstanding success”.

Cllr Reed stated the changes would come in from the next financial year. There are 135 children and young people currently in the policy’s scope. Based on this, the total cost impact of the changes is expected to be £25,000 or less.

Earlier this year, neighbouring North East Lincolnshire Council took the step of making care leavers a protected characteristic. This means additional support for care leavers from the council and protection against discrimination.

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Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

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