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Councils rise to minister's challenge on care leaver support

Nearly two thirds of local authorities are providing care leavers with grants of at least £2,000 to help them set up home after children's minister Edward Timpson called on them to boost levels of support.

Speaking at an event in London today, Timpson said that 95 authorities have now agreed to provide care leavers with a “setting up home allowance” of at least £2,000.

That figure is up from just 32 local authorities before a letter was sent by Timpson to directors of children’s services in October.

“I wrote to all directors of children’s services in October asking them to dramatically improve support for care leavers, and I have been encouraged by their positive response," he said.

"I now want all local authorities to commit to giving this support to care leavers.

“All care leavers must receive the right support and guidance they need to prepare them for their futures. No parent would want to see their children stepping out into the world without a roof over their head or a warm bed to sleep in."

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