New financial regime
6.The Act simplifies the arrangements for financial support of young people leaving care. Previously, young people who left care at 16 could claim welfare benefits. Depending on their circumstances these might have been Income Support, Housing Benefit or income-based Job-Seekers Allowance. .
7.The Act places local authorities under a new statutory duty to support these care leavers and at the same time removes entitlement to these means-tested benefits from eligible and relevant children.
8.These measures are intended to ensure that vulnerable young people receive the care and help they need to grow into independence. Local authorities provide far higher levels of support than simply cash, especially when they work across Departments to fulfil their role as corporate parents. They will be able to ensure that young people in and leaving care are suitably accommodated, supported and advised according to their needs, rather than simply given money and obliged to fend for themselves.
